How to Become a Power Broker
A power broker is one who wields power indirectly. The implication is that a power broker is someone with much power that, for whatever reason, does not want to wield it herself. Therefore, the broker uses "front men" to distract attention from herself. In general, becoming a power broker has to do with one's wealth or competence, as well as a refusal to use power directly.
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Instructions
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Act in a manner that exudes quiet competence. Many highly intelligent people do not like the spotlight. Politics is the perfect example. Most of the true experts and scholars of political science do not run for office. However, experts staff major committees, think tanks and other research organizations that politicians need for their pet projects. A power broker can be one who dispenses competence and expertise to those with actual power who need the information to function. In many areas such as national defense, economic policy and energy, technocrats have far more power than politicians and "talking heads," yet the bulk of these experts remain anonymous. Competence, such as in sports, entertainment or scholarship, is a way to become an influential figure without being too obvious or direct.
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Use your money. If you are person of means, use it. This means you can fund organizations and candidates who will spout your line without you ever having to take responsibility. The Bildeberg Group is the perfect example. Every year, the world's richest men and women meet in secret to plan the next set of European elections, issues areas and other central topics. Their combined power is irresistible, through few have ever heard of most of the annual attendees. These are true power brokers in that they are nearly anonymous, yet wield tremendous power over political candidates, banking policy and military policy worldwide. In their midst are investment bankers, generals, media figures and corporate leaders known for their camera shyness.
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Work in the media. The media is another example of a power broker. Most of the script writers for entertainment and news are anonymous, but they clearly have great power and use "talking heads" for mouthpieces. Think of it this way: someone with money or competence in the media arts can promote his or her agenda while hiding behind a label like "CNN" or "FOX News." Viewers can say things like "FOX said so and so. . ." while in reality, the script and basic slant come from corporate meetings, golf courses and retreats where these issues and slants are discussed in detail. The "label" gets the blame, while the writers and investors maintain the power. This is the classic function of a power broker.
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References
- Photo Credit rhode island state capitol image by Ritu Jethani from Fotolia.com
