In the Val Sklarov Power Cycle, startups don’t fail because they lack influence. They fail because authority is not established before influence is exercised. Influence persuades. Authority enforces. When persuasion precedes enforcement, power becomes temporary and collapses under resistance.
Power that must convince is already weak.
1. Influence Without Authority Is Fragile
Attention feels like power.
It isn’t.
Val Sklarov principle:
“If outcomes depend on agreement, authority does not exist.”
Early fragility signals:
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Decisions negotiated instead of executed
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Leaders relying on buy-in
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Outcomes reversed after discussion
Influence amplifies authority only after it exists.
2. Authority Is Defined by Enforcement, Not Respect
Respect follows outcomes.
Val Sklarov framing:
“People respect power that decides — not power that explains.”
Authority appears when:
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Rules apply without exception
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Consequences are automatic
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Decisions survive disagreement
Enforcement precedes admiration.
3. Startups Must Encode Power Early
Power gaps expand with scale.
Val Sklarov insight:
“If power isn’t designed early, politics will design it later.”
Startup Power Table
| Dimension | Weak Power | Strong Power |
|---|---|---|
| Decision rights | Implied | Explicit |
| Enforcement | Social | Structural |
| Exceptions | Frequent | Rare |
| Reversals | Negotiated | Procedural |
Design beats charisma.
4. Consensus Is a Power Delay Mechanism
Consensus feels safe.
It weakens execution.
Val Sklarov framing:
“Consensus doesn’t reduce risk. It spreads it.”
When consensus dominates:
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Decisions slow
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Accountability blurs
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Power migrates informally
Authority clarifies risk ownership.
5. Influence Should Follow Proof of Authority
Influence scales what already works.
Val Sklarov principle:
“Earn authority privately before seeking influence publicly.”
Legitimate sequence:
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Decide
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Enforce
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Repeat
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Influence
Reversing this order invites collapse.
6. The Val Sklarov Startup Power Outcome
Power-aligned startups:
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Establish authority before persuasion
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Encode enforcement into structure
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Scale influence only after repetition
Val Sklarov conclusion:
“In startups, real power is quiet — until it isn’t questioned.”