Many years ago, during a short assignment in Roche’s Shanghai office, I was asked to give a leadership talk to a large group of business colleagues who had gathered for a training.
When I entered the room that afternoon, the energy was low. People had clearly been sitting through presentations for a while.
On impulse, I invited everyone to stand and stretch.
There was a pause. Then I lifted my hands in a gesture, like a preacher inviting the congregation to rise.
The entire room stood up, as one.
At the time, I was simply surprised it worked. Later I realized the room had responded to something I hadn’t consciously considered: the authority of the role I was playing.
Without realizing it, I was exercising positional power.
Many professionals are uncomfortable with the word “power.” We hear about its abuse or misuse all the time. Plus, the messaging in modern workplaces tends to de-emphasize hierarchical power in favor of collaboration.
Yet, power in the workplace is real, and it’s worth paying attention to: both types.
Positional power comes from your role – the authority and responsibility.
Personal power is independent of title. It grows through credibility and relationships. I recently wrote about influence, a great example of personal power at work.
Here’s the challenge I see again and again:
Many thoughtful, well-intentioned leaders hesitate to use the power they already have.
Maybe they’re worried about seeming inflexible or un-collaborative, or feel uncomfortable making requests.
A few years ago, I was coaching a C-suite leader at a small company. She had deliverables due from another group that were not getting met, and was hesitating to broach the issue. We talked about power, and I told her,
“You are the CSO. What you want and need for your group matters.”
She had responsibilities to fulfill, and her requests should naturally carry weight with others at the company. I could see my words sinking in.
“Yes, of course. It’s right and reasonable that I should ask for these things.” And she did.
Becoming more aware of power, both the authority that comes with your role and the influence you build with others, is an important part of leadership growth.
And you can start to experiment with power long before you have a fancy title.
I recently discovered Rosabeth Moss Kanter’s simple list of ways leaders express power. I like how these are behaviors you can practice in day to day work.
Show up. Don’t duck out – literally or figuratively – from what’s important to you.
Speak up. Name problems. Frame issues so others can see them clearly.
Look up. Connect the work to a larger purpose or principle.
Team up. Build alliances and partnerships.
Lift others up. Share credit and create opportunities for others to succeed.
Don’t give up. Adjust tactics and keep going, even in the “messy middle.”
Questions for reflection:
What is your attitude towards positional power?
Are there moments you hesitate to use the authority your role gives you?
Where could you cultivate personal power – your voice, relationships, or influence?
Many years ago in Shanghai, an entire room stood up when I lifted my hands.
At the time, I was taken by surprise. Now, I have a new lens on the experience.
Leadership is learning to recognize the power already present in the room, and using it well.
