New Power

New Power examines the shifting dynamics of power and influence in the modern, hyperconnected world. The authors contrast "old power," which operates like a currency held by few, with "new power," which functions like a current that is participatory and peer-driven. The book analyzes movements and organizations that have successfully harnessed new power, from #MeToo to Airbnb to Black Lives Matter. Through case studies and frameworks, it demonstrates how leaders and organizations can navigate and leverage these emerging models of participation and mobilization. The text provides actionable principles for building and channeling new power, including strategies for creating meaningful engagement and sustainable movements. The authors draw from their experiences with Purpose and the #GivingTuesday movement to illustrate practical applications. This exploration of power dynamics in the digital age raises fundamental questions about participation, leadership, and the future of human organization. The work serves as both a map of modern influence and a manual for those seeking to understand and harness collective energy.

Readers describe this book as a practical guide to understanding modern power dynamics and movements in the digital age. The concepts of "old power" vs "new power" resonated with many readers working in social impact and organizational change. Readers appreciated: - Clear examples and case studies from business and activism - Framework for understanding viral movements and participation - Actionable insights for organizations and leaders Common criticisms: - Repetitive content that could be condensed - Examples feel dated, especially regarding technology - Abstract concepts without enough tactical application - Too US/Western-centric in perspective One reader noted: "The framework is useful but the book belabors simple points." Another stated: "Strong on diagnosis, weaker on prescription." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.93/5 (2,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (280+ ratings) The book appeals most to readers in nonprofit, social enterprise, and organizational development roles seeking to understand modern engagement and mobilization.

The Networked Nonprofit by Beth Kanter, Allison Fine Organizations can harness social networks and new technologies to create social impact through distributed, collaborative approaches.

Here Comes Everybody by Clay Shirky The rise of digital networks enables group formation and collective action without traditional organizational structures and hierarchies.

The Starfish and the Spider by Ori Brafman Decentralized organizations and movements operate through distributed leadership and peer-to-peer connections rather than top-down control.

Power to the Public by Tara Dawson McGuinness and Hana Schank Digital-age governance requires institutions to embrace networks, data, and collective intelligence to solve public problems.

Platform Revolution by Geoffrey G. Parker Platform business models create value through facilitating interactions between participants rather than controlling resources from the top down.

🔹 The term "new power" was first introduced by the authors in a Harvard Business Review article that went viral in 2014, leading to the development of the full book concept. 🔹 Co-author Henry Timms is the creator of #GivingTuesday, a global philanthropic movement that has raised over $2 billion for various causes since its inception in 2012. 🔹 The book draws parallels between the success of ice bucket challenge (which raised $220 million for ALS research) and the rise of ISIS, demonstrating how similar "new power" principles can be used for both positive and destructive purposes. 🔹 Jeremy Heimans was a child activist in his native Australia, organizing his first social movement at age 8 when he launched a children's organization against nuclear weapons. 🔹 The concepts in the book have been embraced by organizations ranging from the National Health Service (NHS) to NASA, fundamentally changing how they approach leadership and community engagement.