The word power often scares people. Unfortunately, it is because power, especially over others, is frequently abused. The idea I am espousing is that power is neutral; not good or bad in its own right, but can be used across a spectrum of positive or negative ways. The power to complement people and raise their spirits, is in direct contrast but equally powerful, as the power to put people down and make them insecure.
Now that we’ve covered this, I want to take the time to explain the title of this post more thoroughly. I will provide a couple quick definitions to make sure we’re on the same sheet of music. I find it is helpful to define terms before dissecting them. It may sound like a no-brainer, but I have learned over time that seemingly simple conversations can go awry when individuals are looking at different sides of the same coin.
- Positional power is attributed to the authority given by an organization. Think school teachers and students, military leaders and their subordinates, or corporate managers and direct reports.
- Personal power is not given by a higher authority, but is actually given by the people they have in their workspace. This type of power can come to anyone from anyone. CEOs can give this type of power to frontline workers as easily as employees can give it to their managers. In short, personal power can be proffered by personnel at any level and in any direction of the organization.
The key to understanding these types of power is the direction they come from. The flattest organization in the world still has a “command structure.” The more hierarchical organizations have multiple layers of power and each one is created and supported by the one above it. Use of positional power solely can keep people in line, and ensure the job is done, but doesn’t often inspire. Actually, strictly using positional power can dampen inspiration and keep employees feeling like they are just a cog in the machine.
Personal power is given freely by people at all levels and tenures of the organization. The way I view personal power has more to do with how it is earned than how it is used. Personal power requires respect to be earned from co-workers at all levels. At the same time, this motivates these same co-workers to work for the respected individual even if their job doesn’t require them to. Teamwork is built and followership is organically generated because people want to work for individuals who are granted personal power.
Often people who generate personal power aren’t even looking for recognition or the traditional leadership positions. These “accidental leaders” are often most effective because they are acting out of their own strengths to help others achieve their goals. Note: even though I strike a contrast between these two types of power, personal can certainly be wielded by people who also have positional power and vice versa. They are, in fact, complementary and when used together, can enhance a respected leader’s influence.
Why does this matter? If you truly believe that your job as a leader is to help people grow into the best work version of themselves then it matters immensely. Without reaching people at their core you have little hope of truly getting them to a place where they are bringing their best self to the office. I understand how talking about the best work version, and bringing their best self to work, may sound selfish as a leader. My goal for conveying this thought couldn’t be further from the truth. The advantage to helping others achieve high levels of capacity at work, while enjoying and reveling in their successes, has an enormous carry over outside of work. Additionally, most of us spend more waking time at work than any other place. If work can be inspiring and challenging then the payoff is an overall happier existence.
My heart for leadership is intertwined with my heart for people. Truly, leadership is about helping others envision, work, and achieve the best results they can in their chosen venues. I’ve found the easiest and most effective way to do this is through developing and primarily utilizing personal power.
