Power isn’t the problem.
Powerlessness is the problem.
One of my favorite studies shows that when a boss feels inadequate, the boss is more likely to be aggressive. This isn’t rocket science. You know this from watching playground bullies overcompensate for their feelings of inadequacy by pushing the quiet, defenseless kids around. Bullies aren’t powerful; they’re threatened.
And now the playground is the workplace.
But I have good news for you. The same study‡ shows that workplace bullying goes down when a boss’s self-worth is boosted. So, as you see, aggression is driven by low internal power. Therefore, power isn’t the problem. Powerlessness is the problem.
After all, the word power comes from the Latin ‘posse’, which means ‘to be able’: to have personal agency. So, when I use the word power, I mean GOOD power, the kind that raises everyone up. And, really, that’s the only kind of power there is. Because if influence is forced, it’s an abuse of rank, not power. The best defense against these abuses is giving people real tools to anchor into their strongest, most powerful, authentic selves: these are equality generators. We’re all better off when everyone has agency, when everyone is empowered. Power to the People.
The word ‘power’ is misused in common parlance, such as ‘abuse of power’. Don’t get me wrong. Abuses of rank and inequality are ENORMOUS problems. Many governments, countries, companies and corporate leaders abuse their rank. And today’s employees are onto this. Today’s top talent wants a workplace culture that welcomes their power, their input, their intelligence. They’re looking for an employer who VALUES their voice and invites their diverse perspective.
Exciting research shows that a person’s sense of power improves executive functioning, optimism, creativity, authenticity, the ability to self-regulate and performance in various domains. Acquiring power can also impel individuals to feel more goal-oriented, more likely to take action.
If you care about empowering others, I have a 10-second challenge for you. Close your eyes. Bring to mind a team member whose contributions you value. Now: Boost their power by sending them a 2-sentence email in which you copy at least one other colleague. Your email could start with something like, “Today, I’m celebrating you and your contributions. One thing I appreciate about you is [fill it in].” By doing this, you’re boosting another’s power AND creating a more vibrant workplace culture.
I’m celebrating the power of Toni Morrison, who still lives in our hearts – and photographer extraordinaire, Kalea Morgan (who shared this exquisite photo of hers on Unsplash).
Power for Everyone. More power to you,
Sioux, founder
We’re inviting some special companies to obtain licenses for one or more of our six transformational leadership programs. All our programs teach simple yet effective tools to boost power – and performance. Even more, these transformational leadership workshops set the foundation for a vibrant, connected, healthy, buzzy, equitable workplace culture – the kind that attracts, retains and motivates top talent. Only 12 complete licenses are currently offered; some are already purchased or reserved. If you’re interested, ping us soon.
‡Fast, N. J., & Chen, S. (2009). When the boss feels inadequate: Power, incompetence, and aggression. Psychological Science, 20, 1406-1413.