The recent shift in the United States from soft to hard power has dominated the headlines, sparking debates about influence and control on a global scale. This is a great moment to reflect on power and its implications for leadership. Power is an inherent aspect of leadership, but its application requires nuance, skill, and a strong moral compass. A leader who misunderstands power or wields it recklessly is ill-suited for their role.

Leadership and Power

Power, at its very core, is the ability to influence others and shape outcomes. Leaders, by virtue of their positions, possess varying degrees of power, ranging from positional authority to personal influence. Good leaders have both.  But power alone does not guarantee effective leadership. It must be exercised with purpose, precision, and awareness of its impact on others.

Consider the example of Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft. Upon taking the helm, Nadella shifted the company’s culture from one dominated by internal competition to one centred on collaboration and innovation. He leveraged his power not to dictate but to inspire and create an environment where employees felt empowered. This approach not only revitalised Microsoft’s market position but also reinforced trust and morale within the organisation.

Contrast this with leaders who rely heavily on coercive power—issuing commands, fostering fear, or micromanaging. While such tactics will undoubtedly yield results, there is evidence that they often lead to long-term damage, including disengagement, high turnover, and reputational harm.

But it is very important to realise that leaders have to exercise power, both for good or evil, through others. Power without followers is ineffective.  It is the ability to inspire others that turns an idea into the execution of that idea.  With enough followers both good and bad ideas can be turned into effective action.  Provided the followers feel that the leader is delivering for them the leader may have a long life in power.

Effective Use of Power

To wield power effectively, leaders must:

1. Align Actions with Values: Authentic leaders ground their decisions in core values. For instance, Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, consistently demonstrated empathetic leadership during crises, reinforcing her nation’s trust in her leadership.
2. Communicate Intentions Clearly: Power is most effective when others understand the rationale behind its use. Clear communication ensures alignment and minimises misunderstandings.
3. Empower Others: Delegating authority and encouraging team members to make decisions fosters ownership and development, creating a ripple effect of positive influence throughout an organisation.

Managing the Misuse of Power

However, not all leaders exercise power responsibly. When confronted with a leader misusing power, stakeholders and colleagues face a challenging situation. Here are strategies to manage such scenarios:

• Open Dialogue: Engage the leader in a candid conversation, providing specific examples of behaviours and their consequences. Constructive feedback can sometimes redirect a leader’s approach.
• Escalate Through Proper Channels: If dialogue fails, it may be necessary to involve higher authorities or governance mechanisms to address the issue.
• Model Better Behaviour: Sometimes, the best way to influence a leader is to set an example. By demonstrating integrity and effective use of influence, others may be inspired to follow suit.

Learning to Harness Power

Leaders must continuously develop their understanding of power and its applications. Leadership development programmes, mentorship, and reflective practices play a crucial role in honing this skill. For instance, courses that simulate real-world decision-making scenarios can provide valuable insights into the consequences of different approaches to power.

As we reflect on the recent geopolitical dynamics, it is clear that the way power is exercised—whether on the global stage or within a boardroom—can have far-reaching implications. Leaders who wield power effectively not only drive success but also build trust and create environments where individuals and organisations thrive. It is a skill worth mastering and a responsibility that should never be taken lightly.