The Power Perception Matrix

The Power Perception Matrix maps your perception of your power against the perception that other people have of your power.

Power Perception
Matrix

Powers others believe...
...I have	...I do not have

Powers I believe...	...I have
	...I do not have

Confirmed power	Hidden power
Wasted power	Unknown power

Confirmed power

If both you and others believe you have power, then you most certainly do have it and will not be challenged when you use it.

Wasted power

When you believe you do not have power and yet others believe that you do, then if you can see their belief then you can grasp the power that they afford you. If, however, you focus on your own belief then that power will be wasted.

Hidden power

If you are sure you have power but other people do not think you have that power, it may well be because they do not know about it. For example you may have influence with senior managers that they have not realized.

If you are wrong in your belief, then your power is illusory and will fail in practice.

Unknown power

If both you and they believe you do not have power then this will effectively be true, even though you may yet have power in the areas of consideration.

Whether or not you actually do have power, your disbelief and their affirmation of this will most likely lead to you not using that power.

Quick links

The Power Perception Matrix

My perception

Others' perception