Ten Ways to Expand Power and Get Things Done
Power is the ability to get things done.
The more power you have, the more things you get done.
10 Ways to Expand Power:
- Make others feel powerful. Expand power by giving authority to people who get things done. Hoarded power shrinks, but shared authority expands your ability to get things done.
- Expose frailties; never whine. The battle makes you beautiful. Ugly leaders pretend they have it all together. We connect with people who work through frailties. The operative expression is “work through.” Vulnerability isn’t an excuse for weakness.
- Bring up awkward issues with optimism. Weak leaders dance around elephants. Powerful leaders invite them to dance.
- Assume you talk too much, if you have position and authority. People with power believe they have the right to talk more than others. Listen at least 60% of the time.
- Take action after listening. Listening isn’t leading. Quiet, by itself, isn’t strength. Leaders take action. The more you get done, the more powerful you become. Wrestle big problems into submission.
- Give permission before it’s needed. Ask, “What’s next,” then say, “Go for it.” Permission-asking is old school.
- Make people feel important. You’re drawn to someone who makes you feel you matter. Expand power by letting others know they matter.
- Develop and release talent, yours and theirs. Leaders who fear talented people are losers. Ask yourself, “How can I bring out their best?” Develop strengths. Minimize weaknesses. Mitigate hindrances.
- Commit to help others reach their goals. Remove teammates whose personal goals and values collide with organizational.
- Lead by noble values, not the bottom line. Hold to your values even if it costs. Never trust a leader who serves the bottom line before integrity, for example. Leadership is about results, but never sacrifice values for results.
Bonus: Make it better or stop blabbing.
How do leaders expand power?
How do leaders lose power?
WOW, great stuff! Very timely for me as well. Thanks!
Thanks Mark. Best wishes!
How do leaders lose power? Every time they say one thing and do another! Clarity in the direction and keeping your word is a great way to preserve your power. But you will lose it quickly if you are not honorable.
Thanks Brian. The term, “Inconsistency” comes to mind. Be careful what you promise. 🙂
Excellent post, Dan! I’d like to share with my readers!
Thanks Walter. Best to you.
“Hoarded power shrinks, but shared authority expands your ability to get things done.”
Great stuff! So many of the people I worked for never learned this lesson. In fact, I would consider “power hoarding” one of the biggest stumbling blocks to effective leadership. Thanks for another great entry!
Thanks Jim. I think it’s natural to cling to power for fear of losing it. It takes courage to loosen the grip. 🙂
Great post! Definitly attributes of the leader we should strive to be.
Thanks Bill. Best wishes.
Again a great post, Dan. Thanks. It used to amaze me when people in leadership positions would hoard power and over apply it thinking that was the only path to (their) achievement. They didn’t seem to “get” that extending power (appropriately) to others magnifies their power, and everyone within (and without) the organization benefits. It’s missing the universal law that “the more you give away, the more your receive in return.” “The poor you will always have with you” seems to apply to more than just money; those who feel a “poverty of power” just keep popping up. Further thoughts on “getting it”: http://wp.me/p2k440-3y
Thanks Jim. One of the things I notice is giving power and authority to others motivates them to seek us out for guidance and suggestions, typically. Leaders who want greater engagement might try loosening their grip on power. It’s amazing what comes back.
Indeed it is. Rather than using power to “pull” performance or engagement out of people, you can “push” power into them and get far more, literally, than you expect.
Just in time advice again! Keep it coming!
Thanks Melanie. It’s a pleasure to be of service.
Great article with wonderful and practical insights. Thank you, Dan! 🙂 Keep sharing your wisdom. All the best 🙂
Great article. Thank you Dan.