The Quest for Authentic Power: Getting Past Manipulation, Control, and Self-Limiting Beliefs

By G. Ross Lawford

Book Overview

Authentic power-the power to consistently obtain what we truly desire-comes from within. Such power, the power to determine your own destiny, isn't achieved by imposing your will on others. In fact,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1576751473
• ISBN13: 9781576751473
• Release Date: June 2002
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers
• Length: 168 Pages
• Weight: 0.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

fresh ideas

When I first read this book in the Soring of 2002, I likened it to opening a window and filling my lungs with fresh air. I saw patterns, limits, stumbling blocks I had known and experienced as old style power and could detach from those power sources, even if they came from others.New possibilities, strengths and creative solutions followed with a new found intentionality for choices made. In 2003 I am convinced the book is invaluable for leadership in volunteerism, and work, and for personal life changes. Now I am pulling the book's ideas forward again to help do some difficult staff training and development.This is not a long book, but an important read for new perspectives.M.J. Franklin, Volunteer Leader, Adult Educator, Grandparent and Spouse.

Adroitly blends psychology, theology and business theory

Authentic power comes from within, but such power is best demonstrated as personal strength and not a desire to impose one's will on others. The Quest For Authentic Power by G. Ross Lawford adroitly blends psychology, theology and business theory to outline a new view of power and how to achieve it - without manipulation.

A Must Read

Ross Lawford has done a masterful job of helping us understand "authentic power" and how to achieve it. As a former business associate of Ross, I have seen first-hand how he 'walks the talk' and how such "authentic power" not driven by ego or status can build solid teams focussed on issues at hand rather than the usual game playing. A must read for everyone!

A powerful way to look at true power

What a valuable book this is. Ross Lawford presents, in a concise yet idea-rich package, his insights into and guidance for a personal search into our own values in life and how we can achieve that which we really desire. I found each paragraph resonating with me as Ross puts the obvious into a new context and with his wisdom took me to a deeper understanding of what it is that has blocked me from getting the most out of my life and my relationships. This is a book that is totally engaging on first read and yet even deeper meanings emerge each time I went back to reread a chapter or section.

Authentic Self

After reading this book I realized how my belief system was consistently falsifying the truth about my perceived images of power and how I have allowed myself to be manipulated by the "conventional" definitions of power. Status and control have been themes that have run deep not only in my life but in those of my loved ones and business associates. I clearly see now that having "things" or attempting to control situations with misguided intentions actually made me powerless at the end of the day, as it is an addictive appetite that is never satiated. One by one consciously removing and challenging these layers of mythical beleifs will enable me to finally meet my 'authentic self'.