New Power: How Power Works in Our Hyperconnected World–and How to Make It Work for You by Henry Timms, Jeremy Heimans

In Henry Timms’ book, New Power: How Power Works in Our Hyperconnected World–and How to Make It Work for You, the author examines the changing landscape of power in the 21st century. Timms contends that the traditional ways of accessing and using power have been disrupted by the emergence of digital technology, social media, and the prevalence of hyper-connectivity. As a result, power structures are rapidly shifting, and new opportunities are emerging as individuals and organizations seek to harness and make use of this new power.

The book examines the evolution of power from “Old Power” to “New Power”. Old Power, which has been in use for centuries, is concentrated among a few institutions and individuals and is characterized by secrecy and control. New Power, however, is open, participatory, and collaborative, allowing for the amplification of individual voices and the mobilization of collective action. For individuals and organizations alike, the question becomes how to transform this new power into something that is practically useful.

In order to make use of new power, Timms lays out a framework for understanding how it works. He argues that four components are essential: participation, storytelling, direct action, and scaling. First, he argues that participation is key in order to tap into new power, as it allows people to become involved with the ideas that matter to them. Second, the power of storytelling cannot be underestimated, as the right stories can inspire people to act in collective ways and move ideas forward. Third, direct action is necessary in order to turn ideas into reality, while scaling helps to expand actions and maximize their impact.

Finally, Timms provides concrete advice and examples of how individuals and organizations can tap into and make use of new power. He encourages organizations to learn from their mistakes and use experimentation and data to identify successful strategies for harnessing new power. He also outlines how individuals can become change agents, use networks to build collective intelligence, and rethink their approach to leadership.

Timms’ book offers a range of practical advice and insights into the transformation of power in a digital age. From individuals to organizations, he provides clear guidance on how to make use of new power and maximize its potential. New Power: How Power Works in Our Hyperconnected World–and How to Make It Work for You is a must-read for anyone interested in learning how to make use of today’s new power structures in order to drive meaningful change.