There are always going to be different power structures in the work place. It doesn’t matter WHAT industry you are in. The best way to navigate a work place’s inner power structure is to recognize  what type it is! We listed the top power structure at work to help you navigate the waters going forward.

#1: Connection power is based upon who you know.  This person knows, and has the ear of, other powerful people within the organization.

#2: Legitimate power. This comes from the position a person holds.  This is related to a person’s title and job responsibilities.  You might also hear this referred to as positional power.

#3. Coercive power is associated with people who are in a position to punish others. People fear the consequences of not doing what has been asked of them.

There are always sub-divisions of power and politics at work. The best thing you can do to  get-along in the workplace is recognize the type of power structure and do your best to adhere to and grow with it.