How to use "personal power" to strengthen your leadership

[WORLD] Effective leadership goes beyond formal titles and hierarchical positions. The concept of "personal power" has emerged as a crucial factor in distinguishing truly influential leaders from those who merely hold positions of authority. But what exactly is personal power, and how can aspiring leaders harness it to enhance their leadership capabilities?

Personal power is the innate ability to influence and inspire others, regardless of one's formal position within an organization. It stems from an individual's belief in their own capability to create impact and is rooted in three fundamental pillars: a sense of control, internal orientation, and a focus on action.

Chris Lipp, a professor at Tulane's Freeman School of Business and author of "The Science of Personal Power," defines personal power as "our belief in our own capability to create impact." This internal sense of empowerment radiates outward, commanding respect and influencing those around us.

The Foundations of Personal Power

Sense of Control

A key aspect of personal power is the ability to take responsibility for one's environment and actions. Leaders with a strong sense of control see opportunities for impact, even in challenging situations. They focus on what they can influence rather than dwelling on factors beyond their control.

Internal Orientation

Personal power is characterized by an internal focus, where individuals respond to their inner values and goals rather than external pressures. This self-directed approach allows leaders to maintain their integrity and make decisions aligned with their core principles.

Action-Oriented Mindset

Leaders with personal power are proactive and solution-focused. They don't wait for permission or perfect conditions; instead, they take initiative and drive progress through decisive action.

Cultivating Personal Power

Affirm Your Values

One powerful technique for boosting personal power is value affirmation. Lipp suggests a simple exercise: "Before a high-stakes situation, sit down and write about why one of your top values is important to your life. Doing this for just four to five minutes can significantly increase your chances of success."

This practice helps refocus your mind on what's truly important to you, enhancing your internal orientation and providing a broader perspective on the situation at hand.

Balance Giving and Assertiveness

Personal power involves a delicate balance between adding value to others and standing up for oneself. As Lipp explains, "Personal power really has two dimensions when we look at behaviors and the communication. Number one is, of course, giving... But people pleasers don't rule the world."

While it's crucial to contribute positively to your organization, it's equally important to assert yourself when necessary. This balance ensures that your contributions are recognized and valued.

Take Responsibility

A hallmark of personal power is the willingness to take responsibility, even in challenging situations. Lipp shares an anecdote about Bob Iger, who early in his career at ABC Sports, took responsibility for a major mistake. "Every time I saw Roone in the hallway he treated me differently, with more respect," Iger recalled.

By owning our mistakes, we demonstrate control over the situation and our ability to learn and improve, which often earns respect from others.

Demonstrating Personal Power in Various Contexts

In Meetings

Meetings are prime opportunities to showcase personal power. Lipp advises taking on a moderator role, especially if you're not the subject matter expert. "You begin to take control of the flow of the conversation, not in service to yourself... The moderator is like, what do you think? What do you think? What do you think? And then they take all these ideas, they write it on a whiteboard, they synthesize it for the group."

This approach allows you to guide the conversation and add value, even without being the most knowledgeable person in the room.

During Negotiations

Personal power is particularly crucial during negotiations. Lipp shares a story of a colleague who accepted a below-market salary offer out of fear. He advises, "What the research actually suggests is powerful people are focused on fairness and when others observe you wanting fair treatment, people will give you more power."

By advocating for fair treatment, you not only secure better outcomes for yourself but also demonstrate your personal power to others.

In Leadership Positions

For those in formal leadership roles, personal power can be a tool for empowering others. Lipp suggests sharing goals with subordinates without micromanaging, holding employees accountable, and redirecting queries to the appropriate team members rather than answering on their behalf.

Overcoming Challenges to Personal Power

Dealing with Impostor Syndrome

Many individuals, especially those from underrepresented groups, may struggle with feelings of inadequacy. Lipp shares Oprah Winfrey's strategy: "Whenever I walked into a room, a bunch of old white men... I would remind myself that I was not alone. I was not the sole black woman walking into that room, that there were dozens of strong women behind me walking with me."

This mental reframing can help overcome self-doubt and tap into your personal power.

Navigating Power Dynamics

In situations where formal power structures are at play, personal power can still shine through. Lipp recounts an instance where a presenter respectfully redirected a CEO's off-topic question: "That's a really great question. Let's finish this meeting first in order to get the regulatory approval we need to move the product forward."

By focusing on the organization's goals and demonstrating control over the meeting's flow, the presenter exhibited personal power despite the hierarchical difference.

The Impact of Personal Power on Career Advancement

Developing personal power can significantly impact your career trajectory. As Lipp notes, "The research is super clear that many of the behaviors that you radiate outward when you step into your power are behaviors that people see as more leaderly, they're more likely to promote you to management leadership positions as a result."

By cultivating personal power, you're not just improving your current performance, but also positioning yourself for future leadership opportunities.

Personal power is not about domineering behavior or manipulation. Instead, it's about tapping into your inner strength, values, and capabilities to influence and inspire others positively. By developing a sense of control, maintaining an internal orientation, and focusing on action, you can enhance your leadership effectiveness regardless of your formal position.

As Chris Lipp eloquently puts it, "What I love about personal power is it coincides so well. What is personally powerful for you as a person emanates outward and people see that and they respond in so many positive ways that will move your career and your life forward."

In a world where traditional power structures are constantly evolving, personal power stands out as a timeless and universal leadership quality. By cultivating and expressing your personal power, you not only become a more effective leader but also inspire and empower those around you, creating a ripple effect of positive change in your organization and beyond.

Remember, the journey to developing personal power is ongoing. It requires consistent self-reflection, practice, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone. But the rewards – in terms of increased influence, respect, and career advancement – make it a worthwhile endeavor for any aspiring leader.

As you continue on your leadership journey, keep in mind that personal power is not about being perfect or having all the answers. It's about being authentic, taking responsibility, and consistently striving to create positive impact. By embracing these principles, you'll be well on your way to enhancing your leadership through the power of personal power.