Power & Influence

Personality Test: Power

As a trait, power isn’t inherently good or bad—like fire, it can warm or burn. A parent asserting authority so a child takes a bath, a police officer directing traffic at a crash, a teacher calling for quiet: these are constructive uses of power. The thirst for power becomes problematic—or even illegal—when it seeks advantage at others’ expense.

At Harvard University, Professor David McClelland studied the “need for power” (nPower) across thousands of people and found it to be a basic human motive—alongside recognition, achievement, and love. If you feel a visceral drive to assert your influence, this quiz will help you understand how strong that motive is and how you tend to express it.

  1. I work hard to demonstrate my competence in any group I join.

  2. I like work that lets me do things my way.

  3. In groups, I enjoy being the center of attention.

  4. It bothers me when people try to dominate me.

  5. I don’t embarrass easily.

  6. I hate being given advice by others.

  7. It matters to me to do things better than other people.

  8. I’ve always been good at getting others to accept my ideas.

  9. I like asking tough questions that are hard to answer.

  10. At work, I’d find it hard to perform a task assigned to a subordinate.

  • You scored points

    Submissive

    Low power motive You have a low desire for power and easily let others take charge of situations.

    Context Many scholars argue power is one of the most fundamental human motives. Alfred Adler, a contemporary of Freud, proposed that after an early sense of inferiority we strive lifelong to gain power or mastery. Power shows up in many forms—from avoiding confrontation to assertive leadership.

  • You scored points

    Moderately Dominant

    Moderate power motive You show a moderate need for power and flexibility in how you express it—sometimes you’re happy to yield.

    Context Like achievement and affiliation, the power motive varies by person and culture. It can be prosocial (influence for shared goals) or personal (status, control). Becoming aware of your style helps you channel it constructively.

  • You scored points

    You Are the Authority

    High power motive You have a strong need for power. If you often wonder whether others feel superior or pull away from you, practice delegating and trusting more—you’ll find that occasionally yielding won’t diminish you and can build alliances.

    Context High nPower can be a force for good when aligned with clear values and empathy. Aim for socialized power—influence that advances collective goals—rather than purely personal dominance.