Power Over vs. Power Within

Understanding leadership requires talking about power.

In a speech to striking sanitation workers in Memphis in 1968, Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. defined power as, “the ability to achieve purpose and effect change.” What I appreciate about this definition is that it doesn’t describe the nature of power as inherently good or bad.

In her research for Dare to Lead, Brené Brown published this chart:

“What makes power dangerous is how it’s used. Power over is driven by fear. Daring and transformative leaders share power with, empower people to, and inspire people to develop power within.” 

Read the chart carefully and answer the following questions …

Reflection on Power Dynamics

How do I, as a leader, perceive power within?

Do I believe that power is finite and should be protected, or do I see power as expanding when shared with others?

Am I leveraging ‘power over’ to maintain control in certain situations, or am I fostering connection and empathy to unite and stabilize my team?

Evaluation of Leadership Values

Are there any situations recently where I have prioritized being right over getting it right?

Am I promoting transparency and critical thinking frequently, or am I relying on ideology and ‘the way we do things’ at times?

Handling Fear and Uncertainty

How do I address fear and uncertainty among my team members?

How do I offer transparency and create a learning culture through my actions as a leader?

How do I encourage accountability and meaningful change through my daily actions?

Approach to Diversity and Inclusion

Do I normalize discomfort and move away from shame and blame in addressing diversity and inclusion?

How do I work to foster equality through my language and policies?

Humanity-Centered Leadership

How do I frame leadership as a responsibility to be in service of others?

Am I emphasizing fostering connection and humanity in how I develop policies and uphold core values?

The Power Within

Are there times recently when I have demonstrated power over versus power within and what did I learn about myself and others?

• What is an example of a time I used my power within to empower others to lead?
• What is one thing I am going to stop doing after completing this reflection?
• What is one thing I am committed to doing more of after this reflection?

Power is many things and one thing that has been proven is that power is contagious. Once someone becomes more powerful, those around them are influenced by that power, for better or for worse. It is a decision leaders make every day, moment to moment. Do you choose power with, power to, and most importantly, power within, more often than power over? I believe this is the most important leadership question in our world today  …