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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Acting with Power summary
Deborah Gruenfeld
Why We Are More Powerful Than We Believe
23 mins
Brief summary
Acting with Power by Deborah Gruenfeld is a guide for those looking to harness power in a positive way. It explores the dynamics of power in social situations and provides insight into how to navigate them while staying true to yourself.
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Acting with Power
Summary of 8 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 8
Power is the role we play in other people’s lives, and we all have it in one way or another.
High status, impressive wealth, and the authority of a title. This is what we tend to think of when we hear the word “power.” We believe that the people who have these things are automatically powerful, but this isn’t quite true.
People with status, money, or the right title can be powerful, but so can those with none of these things. For example, someone about to drive out of a full parking lot isn’t powerful on their own. But the minute someone else pulls up, eagerly waiting to take the parking spot, the first driver suddenly has power. If he wants to, he can delay the newcomer by being in no rush to leave.
What this scene shows us is that power isn’t about what we have. It’s got more to do with social relationships, and how much we can control other people and their circumstances at any given time.
The key message here is: Power is the role we play in other people’s lives, and we all have it in one way or another.
Whether relationships are professional, personal, or just with whoever happens to be nearby, they force us to depend on each other. This means that everyone has power, even if it looks or feels like they don’t.
Take a parent-child relationship, for example. A parent can make decisions for the child and tell her what to do, making the parent powerful. But if the parent wants love and respect from their child – which most parents do – then the ability to give or withhold these means that the child has some power, too.
Work settings provide another example. Bosses have power because they can determine who works on which projects and how much people get paid. But an employee who’s great at her job and highly sought after in the industry has the power to negotiate.
Now, a boss can decide to use his power solely for his own benefit. For instance, he could hand over a heavy workload to a subordinate who can’t say no. But this isn’t what power is for.
Socially and in the workplace, hierarchies and power dynamics help people work together for mutual benefit and to solve shared problems. This means that when thinking about how to use the power we have, we shouldn’t be asking “What’s in it for me?” We should consider how we can help other people instead.
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What is Acting with Power about?
Acting with Power (2020) takes the mystery out of power by breaking down what it actually is and how to use it effectively wherever we find ourselves. Borrowing techniques from the field of acting, these blinks also detail how to cope when we feel nervous or unprepared for powerful roles, or when we desire more power than we’ve been given.
Acting with Power Review
Acting with Power by Deborah Gruenfeld (2021) is a thought-provoking exploration of how power dynamics shape our interactions and influence our behavior. Here are three reasons why this book is definitely worth reading:
- With its insightful analysis and compelling real-life examples, it offers valuable insights into the complexities of power dynamics and how to navigate them effectively.
- By providing actionable strategies and practical advice, the book equips readers with the tools they need to harness power in a constructive and ethical way.
- Through its engaging narrative and relatable anecdotes, the book manages to make a potentially dry topic like power captivating and relatable.
Best quote from Acting with Power
The things we wear and carry on our bodies reinforce shared realities about who we are to ourselves and to others.
—Deborah Gruenfeld
Who should read Acting with Power?
- Anyone who wants to wield power more effectively
- People who are curious about power dynamics
- Students of social psychology
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Acting with Power FAQs
What is the main message of Acting with Power?
The main message of Acting with Power is that power is not about status, but about the ability to influence and make a difference.
How long does it take to read Acting with Power?
The reading time for Acting with Power depends on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Acting with Power a good book? Is it worth reading?
Acting with Power is worth reading as it provides valuable insights on how to navigate power dynamics and develop influence in various contexts.
Who is the author of Acting with Power?
The author of Acting with Power is Deborah Gruenfeld.
What to read after Acting with Power?
If you're wondering what to read next after Acting with Power, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
- This Is Why You Dream by Rahul Jandial
- What Does It All Mean? by Thomas Nagel
- The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
- The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
- How Highly Effective People Speak by Peter Andrei
- Rich Dad’s Cashflow Quadrant by Robert T. Kiyosaki with Sharon L. Lechter