The 48 Laws of Power ⚡️ in Leadership
Power Tactics Every Manager Should Know (But Few Are Taught)
⚡️
You’ve seen it all:
A less talented peer gets promoted.
Your brilliant idea gets ignored.
A quiet nobody somehow pulls all the strings.
That’s not politics. That’s power.
Behind the scenes, power dynamics shape what gets said, who gets promoted, what projects get approved — and who gets sidelined.
Robert Greene’s The 48 Laws of Power, one of my favorite books about human psychology, cuts through the corporate fluff and reveals the real game leaders are playing. And if you’re leading, you’re already playing the game — whether you realize it or not.
The laws can feel raw, brutal, and uncomfortable. But they’re always real.
This post is my take on those 48 laws — reimagined through the lens of leadership.
The 5 ‘Sources of Power’ Behind the 48 Laws
Power in leadership doesn’t come from just one place. It’s not only about your title or how smart you are — and it’s definitely not just about who you know.
Great leaders draw power from multiple sources, and the truly effective ones know which type to lean on in any given moment.
The more I studied the 48 Laws of Power from Robert’s book, the clearer these sources became, and I finally landed on the following 5 Sources of Power:
Positional Power 👑 – Influence that comes from your title, status, and formal authority.
Relational Power 🤝 – Influence earned through trust, loyalty, and social capital. This is the power of connection, not control.
Insight Power 🧠 – Influence driven by timing, judgment, and strategic clarity. The quiet strength of those who see what others miss.
Execution Power ⚙️ – Influence built through reliability and performance. The power of doing what you say, consistently and with high quality.
Adaptive Power 💧 – Influence that comes from reinvention and flexibility. This is how leaders stay relevant when everything else changes.
As you can see, each source of power has a distinct focus and taps into a certain aspect of your leadership role.
My next task was to map the 48 laws to the five sources, which was by no means an easy exercise. What I found fascinating, however, was the patterns that started to emerge. After several iterations, I arrived at the mapping illustrated below:
I know it may seem overwhelming, but don’t worry: in this post, I will take you through a whirlwind tour of all 48 Laws. During this tour, we will make five stops, one at each of the power sources, and discuss the relevant laws associated with each.
Ready? Our first stop will be: Positional Power.
1. Positional Power 👑
Positional power is the most visible — and often the most overused — form of leadership power.
It’s what comes with the job title, the reporting lines, and the corner office.
But while it can get you in the room, it won’t keep people listening. These laws help you protect your reputation, project confidence, and show up like someone whose presence carries weight — even when your title isn’t enough.
This is the power that comes from where you sit — but it only sticks if others believe you belong there.
How it shows up:
You can approve budgets, allocate resources, or set priorities.
Your opinion carries weight in meetings — simply because of your role.
People loop you in automatically when decisions need to be made.
Others defer to your judgment even before you speak.
Think:
Manager, Director, VP, Founder, Team Lead, Board Member, Committee Chair
Laws Related to Positional Power 👑
Out of the 48 laws of power, the following six laws derive their source from Positional Power:
Now, let’s look at each of these laws in a bit more detail.
⚡️
Law #1. Never Outshine the Master
If you’re working for someone more senior — a boss, a founder, or a powerful stakeholder — never try to outshine them.
You might think you’re just showing how capable you are, but it can come across as threatening. People in power often have fragile egos, even if they don’t show it.
Don’t get me wrong: I’m not asking you to hide your talent, but to use it in a way that makes them look good too. The bottom line is to make them feel secure, not insecure.
Example: If you're leading a presentation and your boss is in the room, position them as the strategic driver of the idea, even if you did most of the work behind the scenes. Help them shine — and they’ll lift you up later.
Outshining gets you noticed. But not always in the way you want.
⚡️
Law #5. So Much Depends on Reputation — Guard It With Your Life
Your reputation is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.
It’s built through your actions, decisions, and how you treat people. Once it’s damaged, it’s hard to repair.
Don’t assume people know your intent — focus on how your behavior is being perceived. Build a reputation you’re proud of, and protect it fiercely.
Example: If you're known for being fair, don’t make an off-the-cuff comment that sounds biased — even once. People remember what doesn't match your brand.
Reputation is the shadow that walks into the room before you.
⚡️
Law #6. Court Attention at All Costs
If people don’t know what you’re working on, they’ll assume it’s not important.
Being quiet and humble can work in some situations — but in leadership, it often means people overlook your impact. Don’t get me wrong — you don’t need to brag. Just make sure your work is seen.
Speak up in meetings. Share progress. Let the right people know what your team has achieved. Visibility leads to influence.
Example: Share a brief, valuable update in leadership meetings or send a monthly impact email. Make your team’s work visible without bragging.
If no one knows what you’re doing, someone else will take credit.
⚡️
Law #25. Re-Create Yourself
Your job title doesn’t define you — and neither does the way you used to lead. Leadership is about learning, growing, and adapting. As things change around you, you need to change too. Don’t wait for someone else to tell you who to become — shape it yourself.
Example: If your usual leadership style isn’t working in your new role, try a new approach. What got you here may not get you to the next level.
The best leaders evolve faster than their titles.
⚡️
Law #34. Be Royal in Your Own Fashion: Act Like a King to Be Treated Like One
The way you carry yourself sets the tone.
Leaders who seem unsure or apologetic often get questioned or sidelined. But when you show up with quiet confidence and self-respect — without arrogance — others respond to that.
It’s not about pretending to be better than others. It’s about owning your space fully.
Example: Even if you’re presenting a half-baked idea, deliver it with posture and clarity — people mirror your confidence.
People believe in you when you believe in yourself.
⚡️
Law #41. Avoid Stepping Into a Great Man’s Shoes
Following a legendary leader is tricky. If you try to imitate them, you’ll always be compared — and usually unfavorably.
The smarter path is to redefine the role. Set a new tone. Introduce your own style. Don’t just fill their shoes — build your own footprint.
Example: When taking over from a beloved leader, say, “I won’t try to fill their shoes — I’m here to build something new.”
Be the sequel that outshines the original — not the copycat.
How to Use Positional Power 👑 as a Leader
Positional power gets you in the door — but how you use it determines whether people actually follow you.
Don’t assume your title alone earns trust or influence. These laws remind you to project confidence, protect your reputation, and carry yourself with intentional authority.
👉🏼 Use your role to create clarity, not control. The most effective leaders reinforce their position not with pressure, but with presence.
Now, let’s make our way to our next stop: Relational Power.
2. Relational Power 🤝
In every organization, relationships shape more decisions than org charts do. This is the power of who knows you, who trusts you, and who’s willing to go to bat for you. These laws help you earn loyalty, read unspoken dynamics, and build influence through connection — not coercion. If positional power is about rank, relational power is about resonance.
Relational power is sticky, often invisible, and deeply personal. It’s the reason some leaders can get things done across teams and silos — even without formal authority.
This is the power of connection — and it often determines how far your ideas travel.
How it shows up:
People include you in decisions because they trust your judgment.
Colleagues support your ideas — even when there’s no clear incentive.
You get the benefit of the doubt when things go sideways.
You build loyalty that lasts beyond roles and reorganizations.
Think:
Connector, culture-builder, trusted advisor, cross-functional bridge
Laws Related to Relational Power 🤝
Out of the 48 laws of power, the following twelve laws derive their source from Relational Power:
Now, let’s look at each of these laws in a bit more detail.
⚡️
Law #2. Never Put Too Much Trust in Friends, Learn How to Use Enemies
It’s natural to lean on people you feel comfortable with — friendly colleagues, former teammates, those who’ve always had your back. But comfort can create blind spots.
Ironically, someone who has challenged you in the past — even openly disagreed with you — can become one of your most committed allies if you win their respect. They’re often more invested in proving their value and being fair than those who just nod along.
Example: Instead of defaulting to your usual circle for a key initiative, invite a former critic to collaborate. If they align with your vision, their buy-in can shift the entire room.
Loyalty is earned. Keep your eyes and ears open.
⚡️
Law #8. Make Other People Come to You — Use Bait if Necessary
Instead of always asking for meetings, approvals, or support from others — build yourself into someone others seek out.
Be the expert. Be the person who helps solve problems. When you create value, people will naturally come to you.
Example: Share a helpful resource or example during a stakeholder meeting. When they ask for more, you’re now in the center of the conversation.
Power flows toward value. Be valuable.
⚡️
Law #10. Infection: Avoid the Unhappy and Unlucky
Some people constantly complain, blame others, or carry negative energy. They are the naysayers.
If you spend too much time with them, it affects your mindset too. You can listen and be supportive — but don’t let their energy drain yours.
Stay close to people who lift you up, not drag you down.
Example: If a colleague always complains in one-on-ones, reduce the time you spend with them — and refocus your energy on those who bring positive energy.
You can’t lead well when you’re constantly absorbing someone else’s drama.
⚡️
Law #11. Learn to Keep People Dependent on You
One of the best ways to build influence is to become someone others rely on.
This doesn’t mean hoarding information or gatekeeping, but creating real value that people can’t easily replace. Whether it's your judgment, your relationships, or your ability to deliver under pressure — find your edge and protect it.
Example: Become the only one who can solve a recurring cross-functional problem — people will seek you out and consult you by default.
If you're too easy to replace, you're too easy to ignore.
⚡️
Law #12. Use Selective Honesty and Generosity to Disarm Your Victim
Sometimes, the best way to build trust is with a sincere gesture — a compliment, an admission, or unexpected generosity.
These small acts make people lower their guard. When you surprise people with kindness or openness, you shift the power dynamic. It's not manipulation — it's emotional intelligence.
Example: Share a personal mistake when giving someone feedback — it builds trust and makes them more open to hearing what needs to change.
One well-timed act of humility buys you more trust than ten slides.
⚡️
Law #13. When Asking for Help, Appeal to People’s Self-Interest
When you want support for your idea or project, don’t just say, “This is the right thing to do.”
Show people how it helps them — their goals, their reputation, their team. Everyone is tuned into their own station: “What’s in it for me?” Speak that language, and you’ll get more yeses and fewer noes.
Example: When asking your boss for resources, show how these resources will guarantee a successful outcome of the top priority on their list. Make them want it more than you do.
The fastest way to a yes is to show what’s in it for them.
⚡️
Law #14. Pose as a Friend, Work as a Spy
This isn’t about being sneaky. It’s about being observant.
Pay attention to what’s really going on. Listen carefully. Watch how people behave in meetings. Understand alliances, tensions, and unspoken rules.
Power often lives in the things nobody says out loud - the gestures, the body language, even the seating positions.
Example: In every meeting, pay attention to who defers to whom, who gets cut off, and who stays quiet — those signals reveal real influence.
Stay warm on the outside and watchful on the inside.
⚡️
Law #19. Know Who You’re Dealing With — Do Not Offend the Wrong Person
Not everyone reacts the same way.
Some people will move on after a disagreement. Others will quietly hold a grudge for months. Smart leaders learn how others tick — their pride, their history, their sensitivities.
It’s not about walking on eggshells. It’s about avoiding unnecessary battles.
Example: Before giving direct feedback, think about how the person might take it — will they appreciate the honesty or take it personally?
It’s not about who’s senior — it’s about who’s sensitive.
⚡️
Law #20. Do Not Commit to Anyone
In fast-changing workplaces, flexibility is power.
Don’t lock yourself into one team, one idea, or one leader too soon. Stay open. Keep your options alive. You want to be someone who aligns when it’s smart — not someone who obeys out of habit.
Example: When org politics get messy, don’t rush to pick a side. Observe longer and align with those who consistently deliver, not just talk.
Loyalty is earned. Alignment is chosen.
⚡️
Law #24. Play the Perfect Courtier
In every company, there are unspoken rules — who gets listened to, how decisions are made, and what behaviors are rewarded.
Learn those rules. Learn the power map. Know how to influence the right people in the right way. You don’t have to be political — but you do have to be smart.
Example: Watch how decisions get made and what communication style works in your org — then mirror it when you need buy-in.
You don’t have to like politics, but you’d better know how to navigate it.
⚡️
Law #33. Discover Each Man’s Thumbscrew
Everyone has a pressure point — something they deeply care about, or fear, or crave.
If you take the time to understand people as individuals, you’ll figure out what moves them. That gives you a major advantage. Whether you want to persuade, motivate, or de-escalate — knowing what’s behind the mask is key.
Example: If your peer lights up every time they talk about recognition, anchor your proposal to how it’ll make their team shine.
Personal power comes from personal understanding.
⚡️
Law #43. Work on the Hearts and Minds of Others
Facts don’t move people — emotions do. Logic makes people think, but emotion makes them act.
If you want people to follow you, understand what they care about. Listen more deeply. Lead with empathy, not just direction. That’s how real connection — and influence — is built.
Example: If someone’s underperforming, ask what’s really holding them back — not just what’s on the dashboard.
Win minds with logic. Win hearts with empathy.
How to Use Relational Power 🤝 as a Leader
Relational power is earned in everyday moments — how you listen, how you show up, and how you make others feel.
For managers, this is the power that builds loyalty, unlocks collaboration, and creates influence beyond your team. The laws in this category remind you to be intentional about who you trust, how you build alliances, and how you read the room.
👉🏼 Use this power to invest in relationships before you need them — because when things get tough, it’s your relational capital that people remember and respond to.
Our next stop: Insight Power.
3. Insight Power 🧠
Insight power is subtle — but incredibly effective.
It’s the kind of power you earn by seeing what others miss, acting before others do, and choosing your words with intent.
Leaders with this kind of power don’t need to dominate the room. They shape it through clarity, precision, and quiet confidence. These laws are about knowing what to say, when to move, and when to hold back.
This is the power of perception — and those who have it often lead without needing to raise their voice.
How it shows up:
You often spot risks or opportunities before others do.
People say, “That was exactly the right call” — after the fact.
You speak less, but when you do, the room listens.
You win trust not just for what you know, but for when and how you act on it.
Think:
Strategist, analyst, fixer, behind-the-scenes operator, quiet advisor, sharp observer
Laws Related to Insight Power 🧠
Out of the 48 laws of power, the following eleven laws derive their source from Insight Power:
Now, let’s look at each of these laws in a bit more detail.
⚡️
Law #3. Conceal Your Intentions
You don’t need to tell people every detail of your long-term plans.
When you lay out your whole strategy too soon, others might “steal” the idea, or push back before you’ve built momentum.
Instead, keep your long-term goal in mind, but share your thinking in phases. Start with the first step and let the results build the case — not just your words.
Example: If you're planning to shift your team’s focus in a new direction, start by piloting one initiative. Once it gains traction, use that success to introduce the broader shift.
Oversharing invites unnecessary attention. Don’t be secretive. Be strategic.
⚡️
Law #4. Always Say Less Than Necessary
Leaders often feel pressure to say something smart in every meeting.
But the more you talk, the more you risk being misunderstood or giving away too much. People respect leaders who listen more than they speak. When you do speak, be clear, calm, and direct.
Let others wonder what you’re thinking — it gives you control.
Example: In a tense meeting, listen carefully and say only one or two clear, composed statements. You’ll come across as thoughtful and in control.
The less you talk, the more people hear.
⚡️
Law #16. Use Absence to Increase Respect and Honor
If you’re always available, people start to take you for granted.
But when you show up only for the moments that matter — the big meeting, the decision point, the crisis — your presence carries more weight.
Don’t be invisible. But don’t be everywhere either.
Example: Don’t chime in on every Slack thread or attend every meeting. When you do show up, people will pay closer attention.
Being everywhere makes you invisible. Being intentional makes you respected.
⚡️
Law #17. Keep Others in Suspended Terror: Cultivate an Air of Unpredictability
If people can predict your every move, they’ll start to work around you.
A little unpredictability keeps people on their toes. That doesn’t mean being inconsistent — it means staying hard to read, so you always have the upper hand.
Example: Say no to a request once in a while — even if you usually say yes — just to show that you’re not always predictable or easy to sway.
Predictable leaders are easy to game. Keep them guessing.
⚡️
Law #21. Play a Sucker to Catch a Sucker — Seem Dumber Than Your Mark
There’s real power in being underestimated.
When people think you’re not a threat, they reveal more than they should. You don’t need to correct every assumption or prove how smart you are in every conversation. Let others feel confident, even superior — and use that moment to gather insight, observe dynamics, or position yourself for a smarter move later.
Example: In meetings, ask simple questions and let others explain. Later, surprise them with a big-picture insight they didn’t see coming.
Being underestimated is a superpower.
⚡️
Law #29. Plan All the Way to the End
Don’t just think about your next move.
Think three steps ahead. What happens after this project lands? What ripple effects will this decision cause? The best leaders see the end before they begin.
Example: When pitching an org restructure, also share what success will look like in six months — and what happens if it fails.
Anticipate second-order consequences.
⚡️
Law #30. Make Your Accomplishments Seem Effortless
Great leaders make hard work look easy.
That doesn’t mean hiding the work — it means showing up with calm, focus, and readiness. Don’t bring chaos into the room. People follow leaders who seem in control, even when things are hard behind the scenes.
Example: Share a concise, polished update without the chaos behind it — let your calm delivery be the message.
Effortlessness signals mastery.
⚡️
Law #35. Master the Art of Timing
A brilliant idea delivered too early gets rejected. The right solution pushed too late feels irrelevant. Timing is the hidden layer of leadership.
Learn to read the room, the organization, and the moment. When you get the timing right, even average ideas can land well. When you get it wrong, even great ideas fall flat.
Example: Delay your budget ask until your leader just had a win — they’ll be more open, generous, and forward-thinking.
Even a great idea mistimed feels like a mistake.
⚡️
Law #37. Create Compelling Spectacles
Leadership isn’t just about what you say — it’s about how you make people feel.
Big moments, visual symbols, well-designed experiences — they stick. Think of Steve Jobs pulling the iPod out of his pocket. Create your own moments of impact. Let people remember the story, not just the slide.
Example: Open your strategy presentation with a bold before/after visualization — make the problem impossible to ignore.
Make your impact memorable.
⚡️
Law #38. Think as You Like but Behave Like Others
Having a different opinion is good. But being too different, too soon, can make you look out of touch.
First, learn the norms. Fit in just enough to earn trust. Then, once you’ve built credibility, bring your new ideas. It’s not about hiding your beliefs — it’s about timing your moves.
Example: At a new company, mirror the team’s rituals and tone — earn trust before you challenge how things are done.
Fit in the room before you try to change it.
⚡️
Law #46. Never Appear Too Perfect
Flawless people make others uncomfortable. They seem unrelatable, untouchable — and sometimes, they invite envy.
Share your mistakes, your struggles, your doubts. Not all of them, but just enough to make you real.
Example: Share a story of a past failure when mentoring someone — it makes you more relatable and trustworthy.
People trust what feels human.
How to Use Insight Power 🧠 as a Leader
Insight power is what separates reactive managers from strategic leaders.
It’s not about being the loudest voice — it’s about being the most thoughtful one. These laws teach you to read between the lines, anticipate challenges, and move with precision. As a manager, your judgment will often matter more than your knowledge.
👉🏼 Use this power to speak less but say more, act decisively when the time is right, and let your clarity guide others through uncertainty.
Time to go to our next stop: Execution Power.
4. Execution Power ⚙️
Execution power is earned, not assigned.
It’s what makes people trust you in crunch moments — because you’ve shown you deliver. Leaders who master execution power don’t just get things done; they build teams that perform under pressure and solve problems others avoid.
These laws are about driving outcomes, delegating smartly, and staying in control without micromanaging.
This is the power of follow-through — and in leadership, few things are more respected.
How it shows up:
Your projects land on time, even under pressure.
You’re the person others call when something big is on the line.
You know when to roll up your sleeves — and when to step back.
Your credibility grows not from talking, but from outcomes.
Think:
Operator, team builder, delivery leader, task master
Laws Related to Execution Power ⚙️
Out of the 48 laws of power, the following nine laws derive their source from Execution Power:
Now, let’s look at each of these laws in a bit more detail.
⚡️
Law #7. Get Others to Do the Work for You, But Always Take the Credit
Leadership is not about doing everything yourself — it’s about making things happen through others.
But don’t disappear from the story. When your team succeeds, lift them up, but also show how your leadership made that success possible. If you’re invisible in the win, others will forget your role.
Balance giving credit with making sure your own contributions are recognized.
Example: Let your team present their project, but you set the context and summarize the outcomes — showing how your leadership connected the dots.
Recognition is about storytelling, not just effort.
⚡️
Law #9. Win Through Your Actions, Never Through Argument
Trying to convince people with words alone rarely works.
Long debates often lead nowhere. What changes minds is proof — real results. Focus your energy on doing the thing you said you’d do.
When people see outcomes, they stop doubting. Arguments fade, but achievements stick.
Example: Rather than debating your proposal, build a quick prototype or test version. Let results settle the discussion.
Execution is the loudest voice in the room.
⚡️
Law #18. Do Not Build Fortresses to Protect Yourself — Isolation is Dangerous
It might feel safe to stay in your comfort zone, only talk to your team, and avoid internal politics.
But the moment you disconnect from the rest of the organization, your influence shrinks. Stay visible. Stay connected. That’s where the power flows.
Example: Join informal leadership circles and cross-functional Slack channels — relationships outside your team are where influence grows.
If you’re not visible, you’re not relevant.
⚡️
Law #23. Concentrate Your Forces
Spreading yourself across too many tasks, meetings, and goals dilutes your impact.
Focus on the few things that truly matter — the big win, the critical relationship, the high-stakes moment. When you concentrate your energy, your impact multiplies.
Example: Don’t spread yourself across five initiatives — choose one that matters, go deep, and make it count.
Diluted energy equals diluted power.
⚡️
Law #26. Keep Your Hands Clean
Hard decisions are part of leadership, but not every decision needs your name stamped on it.
Know when to step in, and when to let others lead. Let your team take the credit when it makes sense, and let others deliver hard messages when needed.
You stay visible, but above the mess.
Example: When delivering unpopular news — like a policy change — have your operations or HR lead communicate the logistics, while you reinforce the vision and direction behind it.
Great leaders pick their moments — and stay above the noise.
⚡️
Law #27. Play on People’s Need to Believe to Create a Cultlike Following
People want to believe in something — a vision, a future, a mission.
If you give them that, you gain influence beyond logic. Make your team feel like they’re part of something special, something bigger. Use story, purpose, and values to create belief.
Example: Don’t just say, “We’re optimizing the process.” Say, “We’re going to become the team others look to as the model of efficiency.” Clear, inspirational, emotional.
People follow clarity. Give them something to believe in.
⚡️
Law #28. Enter Action With Boldness
Indecision makes people nervous.
If you act with confidence — even when you're uncertain — people will trust you more. Most of the time, it’s not about being 100% sure. It’s about moving forward with intent.
Commit. Adjust later if needed.
Example: If a big initiative is floundering, step up with a strong POV and propose the next step. Even if it’s not perfect, movement inspires followership.
Confidence often matters more than correctness — at least at first.
⚡️
Law #31. Control the Options: Get Others to Play With the Cards You Deal
People want to feel like they’re in control.
As a leader, your job is to frame the choices in a way that steers the outcome without forcing it. You don’t need to dictate the answer — just guide the conversation. Offer two or three paths, all of which move things forward.
When people choose from your menu, they feel empowered — and you keep control.
Example: Instead of asking “Do you agree with this timeline?” say “Which of these two timelines works better for you?”
He who defines the options often wins the outcome.
⚡️
Law #47. Do Not Go Past the Mark You Aimed For; In Victory, Learn When to Stop
When things are going well, it’s tempting to keep pushing. But power also means knowing when to stop.
Don’t overplay your hand. Don’t add one more slide, one more argument, one more demand — if you’ve already won the room. Leave with the win intact.
Example: If leadership approves your proposal in a meeting, don’t keep pitching or defending it. Simply thank them, align on next steps, and close strong. The more you say, the more you risk weakening the win.
Overplaying the win is how you lose it.
How to Use Execution Power ⚙️ as a Leader
Execution power is what turns ideas into impact.
It’s not enough to have a vision — you have to make it happen. These laws remind you that people respect results more than rhetoric. As a manager, your credibility is built on delivering consistently, solving real problems, and keeping your team moving forward. You don’t need to do everything yourself — but you do need to own the outcome.
👉🏼 Use this power to earn trust, model accountability, and build a reputation that makes people want to follow your lead.
Almost there! Now let’s make our way to the fifth and final stop: Adaptive Power.
5. Adaptive Power 💧
Adaptive power is what keeps leaders relevant in a fast-changing world.
It’s the ability to evolve as the environment shifts — to stay steady in chaos, reinvent your approach when needed, and bounce back stronger from setbacks.
These laws help you navigate uncertainty, lead change, and remain valuable even as the rules change around you.
This is the power of staying fluid — because in leadership, rigidity breaks, but adaptability bends and survives.
How it shows up:
You adjust quickly to change without losing your grip.
You don’t get rattled easily — people trust your calm under pressure.
You reinvent your leadership style as the context shifts.
You know when to let go of what no longer works.
Think:
Shape-shifter, transformation leader, change-agent
Laws Related to Adaptive Power 💧
Out of the 48 laws of power, the following ten laws derive their source from Adaptive Power:
Now, let’s look at each of these laws in a bit more detail.
⚡️
Law #15. Crush Your Enemy Totally
This isn’t about personal attacks or power plays. It’s about handling issues directly.
If someone is consistently causing confusion, resisting decisions, or quietly undercutting your leadership, don’t ignore it and hope it fades. Address it professionally, clearly, and directly. When you leave things vague or unresolved, you create space for politics, misalignment, and dysfunction to grow.
Example: If a colleague keeps second-guessing your direction in side conversations, schedule a direct conversation. Bring up the issue calmly, set clear expectations, and close the loop fully.
Half-measures leave room for full-blown messes.
⚡️
Law #22. Use the Surrender Tactic: Transform Weakness into Power
Sometimes, the best move is to back down — not because you’ve lost, but because you’re choosing your moment.
When you're outnumbered or out-ranked, surrendering gracefully gives you time to regroup and plan a better path. It’s not weakness — it’s strategy.
Preserve your energy for a fight you can win.
Example: If your project gets deprioritized, don’t resist. Help wrap it up smoothly — then suggest a pivot that still adds value.
Surrender isn’t weakness. It’s strategy.
⚡️
Law #32. Play to People’s Fantasies
Facts speak to the brain. Fantasies speak to the heart.
Most people aren’t just looking for a plan — they’re looking for hope, belief, meaning. If you only focus on numbers and logic, you’ll miss the chance to inspire. Speak to the bigger picture. Show people what’s possible, not just what’s proven.
Example: Don’t just talk about improving UX — talk about how users will feel more empowered and delighted at every click.
The story matters more than the spreadsheet.
⚡️
Law #36. Disdain Things You Cannot Have: Ignoring Them Is the Best Revenge
Chasing after something you didn’t get — a title, a deal, a promotion — shows neediness, not strength.
Don’t dwell. Don’t complain. Move forward fast. Let your next win speak for you. The best revenge isn’t getting even — it’s being too focused and successful to care.
Example: Didn’t get the promotion? Publicly congratulate the person who did — then refocus on your next win.
Energy spent chasing what’s gone is energy stolen from your next win.
⚡️
Law #39. Stir Up Waters to Catch Fish
When things get too calm, people go on autopilot.
Sometimes, leaders need to disrupt the rhythm to reset energy and focus. Ask uncomfortable questions. Change a process. Introduce a new challenge. Stirring the waters makes hidden issues surface — and lets real leaders emerge.
Example: Ask, “What if we started this from scratch — what would we do differently?” It jars the team into creative mode.
Change reveals power structures. Step forward when others freeze.
⚡️
Law #40. Despise the Free Lunch
Shortcuts might save time, but they rarely build power.
When you invest your own effort, risk, and skin in the game, people respect you more — and you trust yourself more. Leaders who avoid paying the price often lose the reward.
Build your influence the hard way.
Example: Say no to “easy wins” that come with strings attached. Build your reputation through sweat, not shortcuts.
What costs nothing is often not worth having.
⚡️
Law #42. Strike the Shepherd, and the Sheep Will Scatter
When there’s conflict or resistance on a team, it’s often coming from one source — someone influencing the group from behind the scenes.
Don’t waste time managing surface-level noise. Identify the real blocker, and address them directly. Clear the root, and the symptoms disappear.
Example: If a vocal team member is blocking progress, don’t fight the group — address that one person with clarity and firmness.
Don’t manage symptoms — fix root causes.
⚡️
Law #44. Disarm and Infuriate With the Mirror Effect
When someone challenges you in a sharp or aggressive way, don’t meet them with more emotion. Instead, repeat their words back in a calm, neutral tone. This puts the spotlight back on them — and often makes them rethink their approach.
It’s a subtle way to stay composed, de-escalate the moment, and keep control of the room.
Example: If a colleague makes a pointed or sarcastic comment in a meeting, say, “Can you clarify what you meant when you said X?” — using their exact words, without emotion.
Let others hear how they sound — it’s more powerful than any comeback.
⚡️
Law #45. Preach the Need for Change, but Never Reform Too Much at Once
People like the idea of change, but most struggle with actual change — especially if it’s fast, messy, or unclear.
If you push too hard, even the best ideas get rejected. Bring people along. Break big changes into smaller steps. Let momentum build.
Example: If you're overhauling how your team runs meetings, don’t change everything at once. Start by adjusting the agenda or length — then layer in new formats over time.
Change fatigue is real. Lead with rhythm.
⚡️
Law #48. Assume Formlessness
If you become predictable, people will figure out how to work around you. If you become rigid, you’ll break when the environment changes.
The most powerful leaders are fluid — adapting to new roles, teams, and challenges with ease. Don’t let your title, style, or past success define you forever.
Example: Don’t box yourself in as “ops” or “engineering” — evolve your skills so you stay relevant no matter how the org shifts.
The leader who flows can’t be boxed in.
How to Use Adaptive Power 💧 as a Leader
Adaptive power is what keeps leaders relevant when everything else is changing.
In fast-moving environments, it’s not the smartest or strongest who thrive — it’s the ones who adjust, evolve, and stay steady through the shift. These laws remind you to let go of what no longer serves you, stay fluid in your approach, and lead with resilience.
👉🏼 As a manager, use this power to navigate uncertainty with confidence, help your team transition through change, and show that reinvention isn’t a weakness — it’s a superpower.
Conclusion: The 48 Laws of Power⚡️in Leadership
Leadership isn’t just about vision and values. It’s about understanding power — how it moves, how it shifts, and how to use it without losing yourself.
In this post, we took a whirlwind tour of The 48 Laws of Power⚡️ in Leadership, organized into The 5 Sources of Power:
Positional Power 👑 – Influence that comes from your title and formal authority.
Relational Power 🤝 – Influence earned through trust, loyalty, and social capital.
Insight Power 🧠 – Influence driven by timing, judgment, and strategic clarity.
Execution Power ⚙️ – Influence built through reliability and performance.
Adaptive Power 💧 – Influence that comes from reinvention and flexibility.
You may not agree with all of the laws, but let’s not pretend the game doesn’t exist. Because whether you like it or not… you’re already playing.
If you found value in this article, I’d appreciate it if you could hit the ❤️ button and share/restack 🔁 it with others who might find it helpful. Thank you! 🙏
Where do you derive most of your power from? Did any of the laws surprise you? Let me know in the comments! ✍🏻
References
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene, the classic book that inspired this post. The book is packed with provocative, polarizing insight on human behavior and power dynamics and is one of my favorite books of all time. Highly recommended!
Power: Why Some People Have It—and Others Don’t by Jeffrey Pfeffer, which looks at how poer actually works in organizations, and what most leaders get wrong.
Podcast: Robert Greene with Lewis Howes, where Robert reflects on the book and how you can use the laws in your own life.
Poster —The 48 Laws of Power⚡️in Leadership
If you’re a visual person, like I am, you should check out The 48 Laws of Power in Leadership Poster. This high definition visual reference organizes the laws for easy reference, categorized by the five sources of power.
👉🏼 Grab your copy here: Digital | Print
🎁 Paid members: Claim your FREE copy of the digital poster by using the exclusive coupon code mentioned on this page. Not a paid member? You can upgrade here.
👋🏻 Let’s stay in touch - connect with me on LinkedIn.
PS: If you’re enjoying The Good Boss, will you take 2 seconds and hit the ❤️ button and share/restack 🔁 it with others who might find it helpful? It goes a long way in helping me grow the newsletter. Thank you!
If you are not already, subscribe to The Good Boss for free articles like this every week. Consider becoming a paid subscriber to support my work, and get access to a host of premium articles, templates, and other leadership resources.
That’s fantastic! Thanks for taking the time to think about and share this. Something to ponder on for sure.
Nice read. Loved how you have tweaked the 48 laws of power to align with leadership principles.