Kerry Washington gives you a 5-step guide to power playing

Winning a Golden Globe for her performance, actress Julianna Margulies said this is a great time to be a woman on television and she was right. From ‘The Good Wife’ to ‘The Murder She Wrote’ to ‘Scandal’-women are playing some of the most incredible, powerful and versatile characters on television. Among all of these talented women, the one woman who stands out or most of us is Kerry Washington.

Portraying the role of Olivia Pope, a crisis management expert to the President of the United States, Kerry is an equally strong woman in her real life. Serving as a member of the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities, apart from being associated with other important organization, Kerry has outlined her 5 step guide to power-play. Inc.com, gives us these steps:

1. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE

 Kerry believes that by helping power players achieve their goals, you will be able to receive help from them in achieving yours. In order to do that, you should try and understand who you are dealing with.

 2. BE CLEAR ABOUT YOUR GOALS

 When it comes to power-playing, being clear about your goals is most vital thing. When you are putting all your time and energy to accomplish something, not having clarity in terms of what you want, will be a huge setback.

3. DRESS THE PART

 This is something most of us tend to ignore. According to Inc.com, Kerry Washington says, "I dress differently when presenting at the MTV Movie Awards than when I'm speaking at the Democratic National Committee. You should too." When you look like you are in the position of power, you get what you want.

 4. REMEMBER TO BREATHE

 When you feel overwhelmed, Kerry suggests that taking deep breaths evaporates all your fears. Doing this before taking an important and big step will make you feel grounded and you will be able to make more clear decisions.

5. FIND THE JOY

 Kerry says, "Look for humor when making your point. It makes people feel less attacked. Don't be afraid to show your own vulnerability." Being in a position of power, one often has to be the bearer of bad news and you should try and make sure that it doesn’t take a toll on you.

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ORIGINAL SOURCE: Inc.com