Do you like power? Are you willing to claim yours? Your answers say something important about your capacity to lead.
Leaders need power, and effective leaders understand and are comfortable with that. Power is the ability to mobilize resources and support to get things done. Do you have the power you need to advance your mission? If not, how can you get it?
We always have more power than we think we do or use. I’m surprised how often experienced managers and leaders at all levels forget that. I know I do.
Power is the property of interpersonal relationships, and others will see you as powerful for a variety of reasons: your title, position, expertise, experience, personal style, charisma, attractiveness, valuable information – or control of it, communication skills, networks and relationships, proximity or access to influential others, powerful allies – or just lots of regular ones, control of rewards or punishments, ability to frame (or reframe) a situation, political savvy, and more.
What are your current sources of power? Which ones do you use? Which ones are you apt to overlook? How could you increase your sources of power? Take stock of your power situation, be strategic in enhancing your influence, and you’ll take better control of your professional life.
Bottom-line, we lead best from the head or the foot of the table when we know clearly what we are bringing to the party.