Which stage of personal power would you assess yourself as your current state? Which suggested activities moving forward will be positive for your style and your schedule? Develop a personal plan for progressing in the stages of personal power. **If you self-assess as Stage Six (Power by Wisdom), reflect on the people and experiences that brought you to this stage.

Assessing one’s current stage of personal power is a complex task that necessitates reflection and self-awareness. The concept of personal power, as described by psychologists David McClelland and John W. Atkinson, encompasses six stages of power development. These stages are based on the individual’s motivation and means of acquiring power. Each stage represents a unique perspective on power, and individuals may progress through these stages as they develop in their personal and professional lives.

To assess myself at the current stage of personal power, I would evaluate my motivations and the methods I employ to exert power in different situations. However, it is important to note that personal power is not a static state, and individuals may exhibit characteristics from multiple stages depending on the context.

If I were to self-assess as Stage Six (Power by Wisdom), it would imply that I have progressed to the highest stage of power development. In this stage, individuals are motivated by the desire to make a meaningful impact and exhibit power through wisdom and expertise. They seek to influence others through their deep knowledge, experience, and ability to analyze complex situations.

Reflecting on the people and experiences that have brought me to this stage would likely involve acknowledging the significant influences that have shaped my wisdom and expertise. These may include mentors, educators, and role models who have provided valuable knowledge and guidance. Additionally, experiences that have challenged me intellectually, problem-solving, and decision-making skills would have contributed to my development in this stage.

To continue progressing in the stages of personal power, it is crucial to identify activities that align with my style and schedule. Given that I am at Stage Six, where power is derived from wisdom, I should focus on activities that enhance my knowledge and expertise. Some suggested positive activities for my style and schedule could include the following:

1. Continuous Learning: Engaging in lifelong learning opportunities, such as attending seminars, workshops, and conferences, to expand my knowledge and stay updated with the latest advancements in my field.
2. Research and Publication: Conducting in-depth research in areas of interest and publishing scholarly articles in reputable journals to demonstrate expertise and contribute to the collective knowledge of the field.
3. Mentoring and Teaching: Sharing my wisdom and expertise with others by mentoring aspiring professionals and teaching courses or workshops in my area of expertise.
4. Collaboration and Networking: Collaborating with colleagues and experts in related fields to exchange ideas, perspectives, and knowledge, fostering a diverse and comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
5. Thought Leadership: Engaging in thought leadership activities, such as writing opinion pieces, giving talks or presentations, and participating in panel discussions, to influence others’ thinking and drive positive change in the field.

Crafting a personal plan for progressing in the stages of personal power requires a systematic approach. It is essential to set specific and measurable goals that are aligned with my personal and professional aspirations. Here is a suggested framework for developing a personal plan:

1. Self-Assessment: Reflect on my current stage of personal power and identify strengths and areas for improvement. This self-reflection will serve as a baseline for setting goals and tracking progress.
2. Goal Setting: Establish short-term and long-term goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). For example, setting a goal to publish at least one research article per year or mentor three individuals in the next six months.
3. Action Steps: Break down each goal into smaller actionable steps. Create a timeline for completing each step, ensuring they align with my schedule and availability.
4. Accountability and Tracking: Regularly review progress towards achieving the set goals. Maintain a record of completed actions, deadlines met, and milestones achieved. Seek feedback from mentors or trusted individuals to assess progress accurately.
5. Continuous Learning: Make learning a priority by seeking opportunities for professional development, such as attending workshops, conferences, or pursuing advanced degrees or certifications.
6. Reflection and Adaptation: Periodically reflect on experiences, challenges, and lessons learned. Adapt the plan as needed based on new insights, changes in goals, or shifting priorities.

In summary, assessing one’s current stage of personal power requires introspection and an understanding of the different stages described by McClelland and Atkinson. If self-assessing as Stage Six, individuals should reflect on the people and experiences that have contributed to their wisdom and expertise. To progress further in the stages of personal power, positive activities should be aligned with one’s style and schedule, focusing on continuous learning, collaboration, mentoring, and thought leadership. Developing a personal plan for progress entails self-assessment, goal setting, breaking down goals into actionable steps, accountability, continuous learning, and periodic reflection and adaptation.