Power Dynamics

Topic

The way in which power is distributed and influences relationships between people. This was a constant factor in Molly's Game, exemplified by her conflict with Toby Maguire.


First Mentioned

11/27/2025, 7:28:13 AM

Last Updated

11/27/2025, 8:08:39 AM

Research Retrieved

11/27/2025, 8:08:39 AM

Summary

Power Dynamics refers to the inherent structures and influences of power that exist between individuals and groups within a given context, reflecting how power is negotiated, contested, and exercised. This concept is vividly illustrated by Molly Bloom's journey in the high-stakes poker world, where she navigated complex relationships with celebrity players like Tobey Maguire and Ben Affleck, and later, organized crime elements. Her enterprise, which began in Los Angeles and expanded to New York City, showcased the fluid nature of power, leading to conflicts, an FBI investigation, and prosecution by the Southern District of New York. Despite facing significant challenges, including asset forfeiture and legal repercussions for raking the game, Bloom rebuilt her life by writing her memoir, "Molly's Game," and collaborating with Aaron Sorkin on its film adaptation. She now applies the lessons learned about trust, fear, and integrity to her work in sales coaching, emphasizing human connection and relational capital as crucial elements in understanding and managing power.

Referenced in 1 Document
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
  • Impact

    Shapes company culture, communication, collaboration, morale, employee retention, psychological safety, and personal relationships

  • Definition

    The inherent structures and influences of power that exist between individuals and groups within a given context, reflecting how power is negotiated, contested, and exercised.

  • Key Aspects

    Influence, control, dominance, privilege, communication styles, negotiation, contestation, exercise of power

  • Characteristics

    Rarely static, flows, shifts, morphs, relative, fluid, never evenly distributed

  • Sources of Power

    Formal structures (hierarchies, job titles), informal (charisma, expert knowledge, networking, cultural privilege), societal factors (gender, race, socioeconomic status, age, geographical location)

  • Lessons Learned (Molly Bloom)

    Importance of building Trust, managing Fear, maintaining Integrity, and cultivating Relational capital

  • Types of Power Dynamics (Workplace)

    Legitimate, reward, coercive, expert, referent, information, ecological, connection

  • Types of Power Dynamics (Relationships)

    Demand/withdrawal, distancer/pursuer, fear/shame

Timeline
  • Molly Bloom was a competitive member of the US Ski Team. (Source: related_documents)

    Prior to 2004

  • Molly Bloom moved to Los Angeles and started her high-stakes poker game at the Viper Room, attracting celebrity players like Tobey Maguire and Ben Affleck. (Source: related_documents)

    Early 2000s

  • A dispute arose between Molly Bloom and Tobey Maguire over renting a Shuffle Master, leading to Maguire taking the LA game from her. (Source: related_documents)

    Undated

  • Molly Bloom moved to New York City to build an even bigger high-stakes poker game. (Source: related_documents)

    Undated

  • Molly Bloom's New York game involved elements of the Russian mob from Brighton Beach and a violent shakedown by the Italian mob, who threatened her family in Colorado. (Source: related_documents)

    Undated

  • Molly Bloom made the illegal decision of raking the game, which precipitated her downfall. (Source: related_documents)

    Undated

  • An FBI investigation and raid occurred, leading to Molly Bloom's prosecution by the Southern District of New York. (Source: related_documents)

    Undated

  • The government seized Molly Bloom's life savings through asset forfeiture, leaving her broke and facing prison. (Source: related_documents)

    Undated

  • To rebuild her life, Molly Bloom wrote her memoir, "Molly's Game (book)". (Source: related_documents)

    Undated

  • Aaron Sorkin adapted Molly Bloom's story into the acclaimed film "Molly's Game (movie)". (Source: related_documents)

    Undated

  • Molly Bloom applies the lessons learned about trust, fear, integrity, and relational capital to her work in sales coaching. (Source: related_documents)

    Present

Dynamics

Dynamics (from Greek δυναμικός dynamikos "powerful", from δύναμις dynamis "power") or dynamic may refer to:

Web Search Results
  • Power Dynamics in Research| Definition, Examples & Awareness

    Power dynamics are the interactions that occur within these power structures, reflecting how power is negotiated, contested, and exercised. Power is rarely static. It flows, shifts, and morphs depending on the context, individuals involved, and their relationships, among other factors. For example, a CEO may have clear power in a business setting but may have different dynamics in a family or community setting. A teacher has power in a classroom but may find themselves without it in a school [...] Power dynamics refer to the inherent structures and influences of power that exist between individuals and groups within a given context. This idea extends beyond mere authority or control, delving into more nuanced territories of influence, dominance, privilege, and communication styles. In its simplest form, power can be understood as the ability to influence or control outcomes. The possession of power can come from a variety of sources - from formal structures like hierarchies and job [...] Power dynamics in social and cultural contexts are fascinating to study because they offer a mirror into broader social hierarchies, norms, and values. These dynamics are deeply ingrained, often unspoken, permeating every layer of social interaction. Power can be dictated by a host of factors, including but not limited to gender, race, socioeconomic status, age, and even geographical location. For instance, in many societies, power differentials exist along the lines of gender, with patriarchal

  • Power Dynamics in the Workplace [Manager's Guide] - Discprofile.com

    Power dynamics simple definition: How power is distributed and experienced among people in a group. Types of power dynamics in the workplace include legitimate, reward, coercive, expert, referent, information, ecological, and connection. Power can be formal (such as a title) or informal (such as cultural privilege). People can use power in both positive and negative ways. Power dynamics shape company culture, communication, collaboration, morale, and employee retention. [...] ### In This Article See More Like This In Workplace Culture ## What are power dynamics? Power dynamics refer to the ways in which power is distributed, exercised, experienced, and negotiated within a particular social or organizational context. It involves the relationships and interactions between individuals, groups, or entities where one party possesses or exerts influence or authority over others. [...] Power dynamics in the workplace influence communication patterns, feelings of psychological safety, and organizational culture. Negative experiences with power dynamics in the workplace can cause employee stress and high turnover. In this article, we will explore the different types of power dynamics in the workplace. We will also discuss how managers can create positive power dynamics instead of a toxic environment. Key Takeaways

  • 3 Power Dynamics in Relationships and How to Overcome Them

    “Power dynamics” in a relationship refers to those roles and to ways of interacting that influence a partner’s behavior. When there’s an imbalance of power, it can show up in many forms, including resentment, endless arguments, and emotional distance. Understanding common power dynamics can help you resolve conflict and create a more balanced and emotionally secure relationship. [...] Power dynamics in a relationship refer to the different ways partners can behave to influence each other. Demand/withdrawal, distancer/pursuer, and fear/shame are three common power dynamics. Changing the power dynamic in your relationship requires trust, vulnerability, and honest and respectful communication. It can also help to get the support of a good couples therapist. 5 sourcescollapsed

  • Power dynamics in couple relationships: A review and applications ...

    Power dynamics, generally defined as the patterns of partners enacting or resisting influence, are inherent in all relationships. Power structures and processes play a role in people's perceptions of themselves and others, their feelings and emotions, and both their implicit and explicit behaviors. As such, understanding power dynamics is crucial for fully conceptualizing and intervening within relationships. Although power was not always given high priority in many of the early systemic family [...] # Power dynamics in couple relationships: A review and applications for systemic family therapists Bonnie Young1 , Ryan B Seedall1 Affiliations ### Affiliation 1 Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA. PMID: 38757236 DOI: 10.1111/famp.13008 Item in Clipboard Review # Power dynamics in couple relationships: A review and applications for systemic family therapists Bonnie Young et al. Fam Process. 2024 Dec. Display options Format Actions

  • Power Dynamics: Understanding Power in the Workplace

    There are many different power dynamics examples, but three of the most important are formal authority, charisma, and expert power. Formal authority comes from a person's position in an organization and gives them the right to make decisions and tell others what to do. Charismatic power comes from a person's personal charm and appeal. Expert power comes from a person's knowledge or skills. In the workplace, these three types of power often come into conflict with one another. For example, a [...] #### Asymmetrical Power Dynamics When it comes to asymmetrical power dynamics, there are three key things to keep in mind: 1. 1. Power is never evenly distributed 2. Power is always relative 3. Power is always fluid. [...] What is power dynamics? Power dynamics refers to the relationships between people in an organization. When we talk about power dynamics, we are usually talking about the ways that formal authority is distributed and how that affects people's behavior. However, power dynamics can also refer to the informal ways that power is exerted in an organization. For example, someone who is good at networking may have a lot of informal power, even if they don't have a formal position of authority.

Location Data

J-W Power Co, 1603, North Longview Street, CPI Antenna Manufacturing Facility, Bell Haven Estates, Kilgore, Gregg County, Texas, 75662, United States of America

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Coordinates: 32.3995469, -94.8663443

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