The Power You Don't Know You Have—Your Shot of Fearless Culture #395
Where change agents find their weekly dose of culture insights and exercises, one topic at a time.
Want to feel instantly powerful?
Stop comparing yourself to someone with a bigger title.
We do this constantly. That director seems to have all the answers. That colleague gets invited to every important meeting. That executive can change everything with a single decision.
But what if we’re measuring the wrong thing?
Power isn’t what people have—it’s what we believe they have. And we’re terrible at seeing our own influence while overestimating everyone else’s.
The word ‘power’ comes from the Latin posse, which means ‘to be able to act.’ Not ‘to be given permission to act.’ Not ‘to wait until someone authorizes you to act.’
Just... to act.
Most organizational change doesn’t come from the boardroom. It comes from people who refuse to take “no” for an answer.
You don’t need anyone’s permission to build strong relationships or a reputation. Yet, most of us act as if we do.
Power isn’t real—it’s relative. Your perception of power shifts based on what you pay attention to. It’s time to stop feeling powerless.
Explore this week's newsletter:
My latest article → Power Is an Illusion: How to Reclaim Yours
Practical tips to stop underestimating your influence
Stay fearless, my friend.
Gustavo
In Case You Missed It
→ From Powerless to Powerful: How to Expand Your Influence
Ask Your Team This
What would you do differently if you stopped waiting for permission?
⚠️ Try This
Map Your Influence
Pick one thing you want to implement but feel you don’t have the power to make happen.
Write it down. Then explore the influence you actually have:
Your network power:
Which colleagues come to you for advice?
Who would listen if you presented a solid case?
Which allies could amplify your message?
Your reputation power:
What expertise do you have that others don’t?
Which past successes give you credibility?
What problems have you solved that people remember?
Connect the dots: How might you combine those two powers to build support for your idea?
🍦 Feed Your Curiosity
Post-It Notes: 4 Lessons for Innovators
Don’t Underestimate Your Influence at Work
The Bystander Effect (And How to Regain Your Power)
🔎 Master Culture Design
The Culture Design Masterclass will help you make culture tangible and actionable by:
Uncovering your actual culture (beyond the values on your wall)
Identifying the hidden gaps blocking change
Designing a culture that drives the behaviors you actually need
Learn more about the Culture Design Masterclass.
“Gustavo is amazing! I had been waiting for this class for months and it was worth the wait! I’m excited to continue the certification journey because one day is just not enough for the amount of wisdom he has to share.”
– Michelle
Registration is open for October and November.
Our culture design programs have 100+ 5-star Google Reviews.
Connect & Collaborate With Gustavo
New to the Demystify Culture newsletter? Subscribe for free.
Let’s connect on LinkedIn
Explore my culture design services
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your challenge and how we help teams and organizations build a fearless culture
Gustavo Razzetti
CEO, Fearless Culture