Largely inspired by the work of the American social psychologist Dr. Claude Steiner and the theory of Transactional Analysis, this book explores alternatives to power and how we can use these to work and manage more effectively, with integrity and joy.

Within this book, the authors examine and expand on Steiner’s idiosyncratic views on the role of ‘power’ in our lives and work, which led to a new view of the relationship between management and power. Steiner suggested seven alternative ways to be influential, without the use of power, which include: grounding, passion, control, empathy/love, communication, knowledge, and transcendence. This book explores and describes these seven alternative sources of power in more detail, and how they can be used to produce change and increase the personal power of all, rather than playing power games.

This will be a valuable resource for managers and leaders in all types of organizations, as well as for coaches, clinicians, and anyone who is interested in forms of influence other than the use of (autocratic) power.