When you read the title, I wonder what immediately came to mind. I will be honest, when the topic popped up in my head, it was because I’ve noticed many times that some people have a problem effectively relating the two. As a leader, regardless of the field, you are charged with many responsibilities. Now I know with these responsibilities often comes power to make certain decisions. In this post, I’m going to take it another step to help one understand what power should not be for a leader.

One of the characteristics of an effective leader is the ability to empower others. Does that mean you no longer have power as a leader? Is power necessary? Power can be many things. Power can be positive or negative. Power can be all about control and sometimes those in leadership think this is the most important component. They get so excited that they now have people they can “control.” Well if that’s all you want as a leader, you are in the wrong position. Empowerment is more about collaboration. Those individuals you lead should be empowered to help your company, organization, group, etc. become better. Generally those who want to have all control feel threatened.

I was recently speaking with a friend of mine in another state who was telling me about her experience on a Zoom call with a director and other individuals in leadership positions. One of the individuals had a personal matter to handle and would not be able to be a part of an upcoming meeting scheduled. Those on the call decided they would decide the duties up to cover the meeting. The director begin to ask for volunteers and individuals started to volunteer. Others volunteered for different tasks ahead of my friend speaking and were thanked. She then volunteered for a task. At this point (and no other point prior), the director jumps in after her and volunteers someone else for what she just spoke up for. Hmmmm!!!! It went from collaboration to control just that quick. It was no longer about empowering others, yet instead it was all about the power she had. In this case it was about feeling threatened because she knew my friend was one of high statue that others looked up too and she is very effective in her position. One may have power, but the attempt to have power over individuals is control.

Evaluate yourself in the position you hold and strive to empower those you lead. Have positive power. Lead with power by purpose and not by resentment or control. Your power in enacted by you. Those that are empowered, empower others.