Get Others to Do the Work for You – Law 7 of 48 Laws of Power (Detailed Guide & Examples)

Success often depends on efficiency, and in the pursuit of power, leveraging the efforts of others can be a strategic advantage. Law 7 of The 48 Laws of Power states: “Get Others to Do the Work for You, but Always Take the Credit.” This law highlights the importance of utilizing the skills, knowledge, and labor of others to advance while ensuring you receive the recognition.

Throughout history, influential figures have achieved greatness not solely through personal effort but by delegating and capitalizing on the work of others. This article explores the meaning of this law, its real-world applications, historical examples, and its pros and cons.

Understanding the Law

The core idea behind this law is simple: why do all the work when others can do it for you? By mastering delegation and positioning yourself as the face of success, you conserve energy, focus on strategic decisions, and enhance your reputation.

Key Takeaways:

• Delegation is a power move – Successful leaders don’t do everything themselves; they manage and direct efforts.
• Recognition leads to influence – Taking credit for valuable work increases your prestige and authority.
• Avoid being exploited – While this law promotes strategic delegation, be cautious of others trying to do the same to you.

Historical Examples

1. Thomas Edison and His Team

Thomas Edison, widely credited with inventing the light bulb, actually had a team of researchers and engineers working under him at Menlo Park. While his employees developed and refined many of his patents, Edison ensured his name was the one recognized, securing his legacy as a great inventor.

2. Steve Jobs and Apple

Steve Jobs didn’t personally code or design every Apple product, but he masterfully took credit for the company’s innovations. By positioning himself as the visionary leader, he became synonymous with Apple’s success, even though many engineers and designers contributed significantly.

3. Shakespeare and His Influences

William Shakespeare borrowed heavily from existing stories, historical events, and older literary works. However, his genius lay in transforming these influences into something fresh and memorable under his own name.

Modern-Day Applications

1. Business and Corporate Strategy

• CEOs and executives rely on teams to execute their vision while they receive the credit for success.
• Delegating tasks to employees allows leaders to focus on high-level decision-making and strategic planning.

2. Politics and Leadership

• Politicians frequently use speechwriters, advisors, and strategists but claim the ideas and policies as their own.
• Strong leaders build teams that execute plans efficiently, ensuring they remain the central figure of power.

3. Personal and Social Life

• In team projects or group efforts, being the most visible and vocal contributor increases your chances of getting credit.
• Social media influencers often collaborate with content creators but keep the spotlight on themselves.

Pros and Cons of Following This Law

Pros:

✔ Maximizes efficiency – You conserve energy while benefiting from others’ work.

✔ Enhances reputation – By positioning yourself as the key player, you gain authority and prestige.

✔ Fosters strategic partnerships – Knowing how to leverage talent creates strong networks and alliances.

✔ Increases productivity – You can focus on growth while others handle execution.

Cons:

❌ Can create resentment – People may feel exploited if they don’t receive due recognition.

❌ Risk of exposure – If caught taking undue credit, credibility can suffer.

❌ Requires careful balance – Over-delegating or failing to acknowledge contributors can backfire.

How to Apply This Law Strategically

1. Delegate Wisely

• Assign work based on strengths and ensure efficiency without micromanaging.
• Acknowledge contributors subtly but keep the main recognition for yourself.

2. Control the Narrative

• Frame yourself as the visionary or leader who orchestrated the success.
• Be the face of the project while allowing others to execute behind the scenes.

3. Avoid Being Exploited

• If you’re working under someone, ensure you receive some recognition for your contributions.
• Document your achievements to protect your career from being overshadowed.

Conclusion

The seventh law of power, “Get Others to Do the Work for You, but Always Take the Credit,” teaches the art of leveraging resources and talents efficiently. Success is not just about hard work but about smart delegation and strategic positioning.

Those who master this law gain influence, power, and prestige. However, balance is key—overusing this strategy without acknowledging others can lead to resentment and loss of trust. Would you rather be the mastermind behind success or the unnoticed worker? The choice is yours. 😉