Tips on increasing your power in the workplace

Jeffrey  Pfiffer's  book Power: Why Some People Have It and Others Don't  recommends a few simple steps you can take to increase your power:

(1)  be visible;

 (2)  emphasize the aspects you're good at;

(3) make those in power feel good about themselves;

 (4) if you must point out a mistake by someone in power, blame the situation or others; and shower those above with flattery.

Bottom line: worry about your relationship with your boss more than you worry about your performance.

It is unfortunate but in this world where some of us allow our egos to run rampant, to ensure that you have a comfortable work experience you might need to adopt some of these measure.   In fact I agree with all these points except number 4.  If you can't speak the truth, don't speak at all. Do not blame anyone. Your boss knows fully well when the mistake is theirs. 

I think it is important for women and especially immigrant women to be conscious of who holds power in the workplace and to not make ruffles with those in power because they have the power to hire and to fire. Unless you are independently wealthy or have another job waiting for you, do what you can to remain neutral and cordial in the workplace.