[One Sip of a Book] Power Is Not Domination but Relationship... "You Are Also a Person of Power"

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Power is often thought of as an exclusive authority held by a select few with special abilities. However, the author points out that power is not social status, authority, or prestige. Power is described as a resource exchanged among people who need each other. Since everyone has different characteristics, anyone can become a person in power in certain situations. The author explains power by comparing it to acting. Just as an actor performs according to the given role, it is important to play the assigned role well. The author emphasizes that how power is used is more important than power itself, and that this can prevent abuse. The author explains how to exercise power properly and how to resist corrupt power.

Everyone's power fully depends on the situation in which power is negotiated. Power arises or disappears depending on relationships, goals and purposes, environment, and social roles. - p.36, from Chapter 1, "We All Have Power"

Power forms and strengthens relationships through cooperation and connection. In a hierarchy, there is no need for people working together to fight over control, so common goals can be achieved efficiently. Therefore, trying to use power without considering relationships is a waste of energy. - p.42, from Chapter 1, "We All Have Power"

Power does not exist only in the lives of the wealthy and famous but exists in all relationships. Relationships refer to people depending on each other. Seen this way, no matter how small, insignificant, or powerless you feel, or whatever role you play, others need you in some way. - p.45, from Chapter 1, "We All Have Power"

Acting power means performing a role. At this time, 'authenticity' is not much of a concern. Whether on stage or in life, the difficult part of acting is finding how to speak the truth and convey the meaning of words and actions as they are. - p.147, from Chapter 4, "How to Maintain Both Authenticity and Authority"

We must observe who we are to others and how our actions affect the surrounding world, freeing ourselves from doubts about our qualifications to hold power, personal hardships, fatigue, frustration, and cravings for attention or support. When working, focus on the work itself rather than how we appear or feel. - p.148, from Chapter 4, "How to Maintain Both Authenticity and Authority"

We neither own nor carry the role with us; we only occupy it for a certain period. The goal should never be to use any means to accumulate personal power, wealth, or fame. We must positively influence others' achievements to make ourselves useful and thereby gain power, and eventually wealth and fame. If status rises in this way, it is a good thing. - p.163, from Chapter 5, "How to Use Power According to Changed Roles"

The author explained that acting power means accepting responsibility and providing stability to others. However, this definition is suitable only in a cooperative world where relationships are smoothly maintained. When dealing with someone who abuses power by sacrificing you or exploiting your respect and tolerance, you need to change your strategy. Even if you do not want to harm the other person, you should not tolerate their nonsense. - p.235, from Chapter 8, "How to Fight Corrupt Power"

When dealing with power abuse, communication and cooperation are key to collective action. Research shows that simply talking before deciding whether to sacrifice individual interests for the group's benefit increases the likelihood of making such decisions. Viewing leadership as playing a role, the most notable actors in an organization are those who embody the organization's most sacred values. A strong leader is not just someone who delivers results. The leader's role is to "instill and nurture belief in the organization's purpose, cultivating hope and trust." In other words, leaders symbolize something, whether intentionally or not. Communication increases trust and induces strategic cooperation. It provides opportunities to commit to each other, divide roles, and execute strategies. - p.277, from Chapter 9, "How Not to Remain a Bystander Before Corrupt Powers"

To use power well, we must have both the weaknesses and strengths that make us human. Therefore, practicing acting as a flawed character on stage is helpful. Recognizing the ugly truths of the character and performing a role that you would never tolerate when being 'yourself' before an audience, while realizing that such acting cannot fundamentally change you, brings about transformation. To truthfully portray a flawed character on stage, empathy must be exercised. - p.312, from Chapter 10, "How Should I Use the Power I Have?"

Horizontal Power | Written by Deborah Gruenfeld | Translated by Kim Hyo-jung | Sensio | 328 pages | 22,000 KRW

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.