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

1. New power thrives on participation, not centralized control
2. Old power hoards authority, new power distributes it through networks
3. Movements like #MeToo succeed by channeling peer-driven energy, not hierarchy
4. Jeremy Heimans redefines power as a collaborative current, not currency
5. Build movements by turning participants into owners, not just followers
6. Platforms like Uber win by enabling mass coordination, not top-down commands
7. New power leaders blend open participation with strategic old power structures
8. ISIS and populists exploit new power dynamics for destructive outcomes
9. TED and LEGO model hybrid power: curated expertise + crowd innovation
10. #BlackLivesMatter shows new power’s strength in decentralized, viral action
11. Survival requires shifting from “what you have” to “what you enable”
12. Airbnb’s success stems from trust-building through peer networks, not ownership

Über den Autor von New Power

Jeremy Heimans and Henry Timms are bestselling authors and globally recognized experts on power dynamics, social movements, and digital-age leadership. Their influential book New Power: How Power Works in Our Hyperconnected World—and How to Make It Work for You combines insights from business, activism, and technology to explore how decentralized, participatory models are reshaping modern society.

Heimans, co-founder of the social movement-building firm Purpose (acquired by Capgemini in 2020), brings decades of experience advising organizations like Google and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Timms, President of New York’s 92nd Street Y and founder of the viral #GivingTuesday movement, bridges institutional innovation with grassroots organizing.

A Financial Times/McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award finalist, New Power has become essential reading in business strategy and political science, translated into over 20 languages. The authors are frequent speakers at TED Talks, global summits, and forums like the World Economic Forum, where they outline strategies for harnessing collective action. Their work has been featured in The New York Times, Harvard Business Review, and Fast Company, which named Heimans one of its "Most Creative People in Business." The book’s frameworks are applied by organizations ranging from NASA to startups, cementing its status as a blueprint for 21st-century influence.

FAQ zu New Power

What is New Power by Jeremy Heimans and Henry Timms about?

New Power examines the seismic shift from top-down "old power" (held by few) to decentralized "new power" driven by mass participation. It explores how digital connectivity enables movements like #MeToo and platforms like Airbnb, emphasizing values like transparency and crowd-driven collaboration. The book provides frameworks for harnessing this shift in business, activism, and governance.

Who should read New Power?

Leaders, entrepreneurs, and activists seeking to navigate today’s participatory ecosystems will gain actionable insights. It’s equally relevant for marketers, nonprofit professionals, and policymakers aiming to leverage collective action or understand digital-age power dynamics. The book suits anyone curious about societal shifts driven by crowdsourcing and viral movements.

Is New Power worth reading?

Yes—it’s a seminal guide to 21st-century power structures, blending case studies (e.g., Ice Bucket Challenge, ISIS recruitment) with practical strategies. The authors decode how to mobilize communities, making it essential for adapting to rapid technological and cultural changes.

What is the difference between old power and new power?

• Old power: Hierarchical, hoarded (e.g., traditional corporations, governments).
• New power: Open, participatory, and channeled like a current (e.g., Wikipedia, Kickstarter).

The distinction lies in control: old power commands, while new power enables and distributes agency.

How do Jeremy Heimans and Henry Timms define the "participation scale"?

This framework ranks engagement from passive consumption (e.g., watching a video) to co-ownership (e.g., Wikipedia editing). Successful new power models incentivize higher participation, turning audiences into active contributors—critical for movements like #BlackLivesMatter or platforms like Uber.

What are examples of new power in action?

• Airbnb: Leverages community-hosted lodging over corporate ownership.
• #MeToo: A decentralized movement amplifying voices via social media.
• GoFundMe: Democratizes fundraising through crowd-driven campaigns.

How can businesses apply new power principles?

• Crowdsource innovation: Involve customers in product design (e.g., Lego Ideas).
• Build communities: Foster peer-to-peer interaction (e.g., Peloton’s user groups).
• Share decision-making: Use open forums or voting systems to empower stakeholders.

What critiques exist about New Power?

Some argue it underestimates old power’s resilience in sectors like finance or politics. Others note risks of echo chambers and misinformation in decentralized models. However, the book acknowledges darker applications, such as extremist groups exploiting new power tactics.

How does New Power address leadership in a connected age?

Leaders must transition from “castle builders” (controlling resources) to “current builders” (channeling collective energy). This involves fostering trust, enabling peer coordination, and valuing transparency over authority—exemplified by platforms like Patagonia’s environmental campaigns.

What role do values play in new power models?

New power thrives on shared values like inclusivity and openness. For instance, TEDx’s decentralized event model relies on local organizers adhering to core principles while adapting to regional contexts. Misaligned values can fracture communities, as seen in fragmented online movements.

How does New Power analyze crowdfunding platforms?

Platforms like Kickstarter succeed by offering participation value—backers feel ownership in projects they support. This contrasts with old power’s transactional approach, creating emotional investment and viral potential through storytelling and updates.

Why is New Power relevant to nonprofit organizations?

Nonprofits can amplify impact by mobilizing supporters as advocates (e.g., ALS Ice Bucket Challenge). The book highlights the need to shift from donor-centric models to community-driven initiatives, where participation itself becomes a form of currency.