Yes, I will confirm your suspicion: Some people are in business leadership positions simply for the power plays. You’ve seen it. They use a variety of intimidation tactics to get their way. They may not be right, but they get their way. If you want to survive a Power Freak, it’s best to understand them, their tactics and have a plan.

They Become Leaders

In many business cultures, a Power Freak can quickly work their way to be a business leader. They intimidate their way up the corporate ladder, leaving the wounded bodies of angry, resentful staff behind them. They may carry the pretense of advancing the corporate goals, but in reality it’s their own goals for power that motivate them.

Why They Do It

If we put a Power Freak on the psychologists couch, I’m sure we could find some experiences from childhood that spurred them on to Power Freakdom. They may have been bullies and got away with it. But the bottom line is that they have a need to win, get attention, be “right” and feel in control.

Freak’s Tactics & Your Strategies

There are many tactics which a Power Freak uses. Here are a few with suggestions for strategies you can use to counter them.

Talks Louder

Power Freaks often talk louder than others to intimidate them. Never talk as loud as they do because that is like drawing out your sword and challenging them to a duel. They will simply escalate. I suggest speaking one notch below them in volume, with a firm and yet diplomatic tone.

Talks Longer

They will often talk until everyone is worn out and ready to give in just to shut them up! A great way to interrupt them without causing them to feel a loss of control is to gently slide in a summarizing and bridging statement, like “Yes John, then you are saying that…(quickly summarize his point),which is an excellent point and which directly relates to (your point).”

Power Presence

They emanate power in how they stand, dress and carry themselves. They look totally confident, even though what is inside might actually be a scared, insecure child-like personality which they are protecting. The trick for you is not to let that intimidate you. You can picture that Power Presence as simply a shield protecting their insecurity. When you are face to face with a Power Freak, call on your own confidence. Tell yourself, “I know my stuff! I’m in my position because I’m knowledgeable and good at it. The point I want to make is important.” So stand up straight, look them in the eye (don’t glare) and project your confidence (not defiance).

This outlines some of the main aspects of successfully dealing with Power Freaks. If you would like to ask Janelle Brittain questions about your specific situation, email your question to her at Janelle@DynamicPerformance.com

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Janelle Brittain, MBA, CSP, is CEO & President of Dynamic Performance Institute, LLC and Dynamic Solutions Group., companies that help leadership and teams of organizations grow to their highest dynamic performance.  Her most recent books are “Star Team Dynamics: 12 Lessons Learned from Experienced Team Builders” and “How to Say It: Performance Reviews, Phrases and Strategies for Painless and Productive Performance Reviews.” To learn more, visit www.DynamicPerformance.com and WWW.DynamicSolutionsGp.com . To hear concrete advice or have your business questions answered, go to Janelle’s on-line audio shows at: https://thewinonline.com/shows/dynamic-performance-business-coach-bring-...