For some power is fleeting, external or out of reach. For others, power is attainable and real. It is internal as well as external.

People (including myself) toss around the word "power" but there is no common agreement on what it is...except for the people who have it.

IMHO power means having the ability or freedom to do something or the ability to manifest something...to act. Powerful people are not inactive unless they choose to be, they are not easily led or swayed. Authentic power is the knowledge that there is a purpose and act with intention. Thus, to me it is clear that:

service=action
knowledge (of one's situation)=action
reward and punish=action
manipulation and control=action
work...get me?

If we can agree that action is a key to power, having the ability or freedom to make something happen, then maybe we can also agree that some people have access to this key more than others? Why do some people--given equal resources and opportunities--overcome and succeed and others just give up?