It won’t have escaped your notice that a transfer of power is underway in one of the most powerful countries in the world.
Power is a word that many find distasteful.
The thing is, love it or loath it, power exists and has an impact on us all – whether we wield it or are subject to it. In this post, I set out five home truths about power because leaders need to build a healthy relationship with it if they – and those they lead – are to benefit from the good that it offers.
Home truth 1: Power is all around us
Power exists in every relationship between living creatures. From the fish tank to the Boardroom, power impacts relationships and hierarchy. We are all more or less powerful in any given situation.
Home truth 2: We find it hard to talk about power
Despite its prevalence, power isn’t something that’s easy to talk about openly and directly. Indeed, the negative connotations surrounding power can incite strong responses. In one situation, when I was discussing with a leadership team the power they held in their organisation, their response was very direct. They said: “There’s no place for power in this business. Power is about abuse.”
Not surprisingly, such a view on power, doesn’t exactly make it dinner-party – or Boardroom table – subject matter
Home truth 3: Leaders inevitably use power
Every leader holds power and relies on it, whether consciously or unconsciously. And you need power to do your job. Ever been inspired to follow someone who’s powerless? What really matters is the type of power you’re relying on and how you use it.
Home truth 4: Power is neither good nor bad
It’s the way we use it that turns power into a positive or negative force. Sadly, there are so many examples of leaders who use their power in negative ways, it can’t help but have a poor reputation.
But power is a tremendous force for good as well. Used well, power unites, overcomes seemingly impossible barriers and inspires others to achieve more than they ever thought they could. Power builds resilience, confidence and belief.
Home truth 5: There are many different sources of power open to you
Power is not one dimensional. It comes from many sources. Your role, your expertise, your associations… And, there is one crucial source of power that every good leader needs to consciously and consistently build – the power of good, positive relationships with the people they lead. Ultimately, leadership is about people, and power is about people. Building good relationships brings these together in the most positive of ways.
So what can you do to make good use of the power that’s available to you? Next week I’ll share the keys to ensure you understand the power you hold, and how to channel it in a positive way.