The Character Therapist: Fascination Trigger #1: POWER

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Fascination Trigger #1: POWER

This week we look at the first identified trigger to fascinate, and ultimately persuade, people. People who identify with the Power trigger will find themselves closely identifying with the character traits of the Lion/Choleric personality.

A person who uses Power to persuade is a natural leader and harnesses an ability to control. There is a certain confidence about these people that garners respect, even when given begrudgingly.

For example, whatever your opinions are politically, no one can deny that the President of the United States has power. I mean, he's got the proverbial (real?) red telephone that can launch missiles with the press of one button.

Google is another example of a company who harnesses Power. If applications and codes don't work on the Google platform, they will fall flat on their face. Search engine optimization is a course in its own right now, largely due to Google.

According to Sally Hogshead, there are 5 defining characteristics of Power personalities:

1) Confidence - goals aren't something to be feared, rather, these people rise to the challenge and rarely doubt their ability to get things done. Deadlines aren't a problem.

2) Goal-Oriented - these people like to take on big projects (like a novel!), and they are very focused on achievements, likely keeping a daily word count goal.

3) Influential - input from these people guide what others say and do. If you find yourself having a lot to say about your cover design and edits, this might be you.

Michael Hyatt at ACFW 2012

4) Opinionated - this can actually be separate from #3, but rarely so. Your opinions are strong, and if Power is your main trigger, you are likely very candid with how you present your views to others. Blogging probably fits you to a T, and you might even wiggle your fingers with glee if a debate starts in your comment section.

5) Decisive - these people are gifted in sizing up a situation and choosing a course of action. You don't mince words, analyze data, or necessarily poll others.

One author whose main source of fascination is Power (at least, in my opinion) is Michael Hyatt. As the former Chairman and CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, he already had a commanding platform, made even more so when he branched out on the web. Who doesn't want to listen to what he has to say? He has 265,000+ subscribers for his blog, which is noted as one of the top blogs in the world on leadership. What Hyatt suggests, others take note of and try to mimic. Just wait to see what happens when he launches his GetNoticed! premium WordPress theme.

That's Power in a nutshell.