Maps organizational power dynamics and builds influence without authority using Jeffrey Pfeffer's power frameworks. Use when getting buy-in for ideas, navigating company politics, managing up, or building coalitions across teams.
Claude uses this skill when:
7 Sources:
The Approach:
1. Map power structure
- Who decides?
- Who influences decisions?
- Who controls resources?
2. Build relationships
- Help others succeed
- Offer expertise
- Share credit
3. Accumulate wins
- Start with small wins
- Build reputation
- Expand influence
# Stakeholder Map: [Initiative]
## Decision Makers
- **Name:** [role]
- Power level: [High/Medium/Low]
- Support: [For/Against/Neutral]
- Concerns: [list]
- Approach: [how to influence]
## Influencers
- **Name:** [role]
- Influences: [who]
- Cares about: [what]
- Approach: [strategy]
## Coalition Building
- **Early supporters:** [list]
- **Fence-sitters:** [list]
- **Opposition:** [list]
## Action Plan
1. Build coalition with: [names]
2. Address concerns of: [names]
3. Pre-meetings with: [names]
4. Present when: [timing]
Preparation:
Execution:
Jeffrey Pfeffer:
"Power is the ability to get things done. If you want to make an impact, you need to understand power."
On Building Influence:
"The most successful people build their political capital before they need it."