In today’s knowledge economy, which has witnessed the steady breakdown of traditional hierarchies and functional silos, power has less to do with control and more to do with influence. We gain that influence by developing political capital.

“This is a different way of understanding how power works in organizations,” Ocasio says. “It’s not about coercing people — it’s about mobilizing political support. Leaders can’t accomplish their goals without a broad support base, which is why political capital is important for leaders.”

So what should you know about investing in — and utilizing — political capital? Ocasio offers four tips.

Four Tips to Gain Influence in Your Organization