CIOIN

Here's a look at four power sources and ways to plug in and increase your professional voltage.

Knowledge Power. Your knowledge power represents what you know and what you can do. It embodies your talents, skills and abilities, as well as your wisdom. Leaders who rate high in knowledge power are three times more influential than their counterparts.
How to Plug In: Develop an area of distinctive knowledge, skills or capabilities. Apply your knowledge to achieve results or advance your organization. Write about what you know on blogs and in social media.

Attraction Power. Your attraction power reflects your ability to draw people to you—to cause them to like you and prefer you to others. The attraction may be based on warmth, wisdom, personality, shared experiences, common values or physical appearance. Universally, attraction power is one of the most potent power sources, and high ratings here can more than triple a leader's influence and effectiveness.
How to Plug In: Take pride in your appearance. Go out of your way to be open, friendly, kind, and considerate. Show a sense of humor. Learn to tell a good story. Be yourself.

Character Power. Your character power is based on others' perceptions of your honesty, integrity and humility. Regardless of who you are in every other respect, the power of character matters. Leaders need to remember that the rules apply to everyone.
How to Plug In: Be honest, humble and even-handed. If your character is justly called into question, accept responsibility, and act to make things right. Consider the consequences of your choices, decisions and actions.

Network Power. Your network power is derived from the depth and breadth of your connections with others. Leaders rated high in network power are twice as inspirational and three times as influential as their lower-rated counterparts.
How to Plug In: Develop a reliable expertise in an important area. Be accessible, responsive and helpful. Do favors for people (no strings attached) Build connections outside of your organization and physical location.