To Wield Power or To Empower…That is the Question - 7/13/26

To Wield Power or to Empower….That Is the Question

If you are drunk with power and get excited about denying vacation requests, removing someone from a passion project, or summoning your team to a two-hour meeting with no advance notice...

You are doing it wrong.

Let's talk about power.

Power can show up with a little p power, the small, often unnecessary acts we use to remind people that we are in charge.
And then there is big P POWER, the ability to create the conditions for other people to succeed.
The most powerful leaders understand the difference.

Big P POWER isn't about constantly directing people. It's about providing guidance, setting clear expectations, and placing people in roles and on projects where they have the opportunity to perform at their best.

In fact, some of the greatest expressions of power come through emPOWERment.
Yes...power through empowerment.
Set the vision.
Clarify the goals.
Give people ownership of their space.
And then...let them get the job done.

If you want to create a culture of empowerment, consider these four powerful acts:

1. Set clear goals with your team.
Make sure people understand where the organization is going, what success looks like, and how their work contributes to the larger vision.

2. Put people in the right spaces to thrive.
Take time to understand the skills, talents, and abilities of the people you lead. Then, whenever possible, align their work with the places where they can make the greatest contribution.

3. Provide guidance without hovering.
Support your team. Coach them. Remove barriers.
But please...don't be a hover manager.
You hired talented people. Give them room to use their talent.

4. Celebrate success and redirect when needed.
Acknowledge the wins. Give credit. Celebrate great work.
And when things don't go as planned, provide thoughtful redirection, clarity, and an opportunity to learn.

Question for Reflection
Where in your work and leadership could you wield a little less power and lean more intentionally into empowerment?

The Takeaway
The greatest demonstration of power may be creating the conditions for someone else to discover and use theirs.

But, of course, if you'd rather continue denying vacation requests just because you can...
Then emPOWERment probably isn't for you.

And you'll likely continue leading in a space of mediocrity.
And that's okay.

Until next Monday...
Have a great week...and do something on purpose.

Dr. Dawn Johnson
#Leadership #Power #Empowerment #LeadershipDevelopment #TheDawnBrief #MondayMusings