Can you handle the power?
At the workplace, we hold different levels of power in our hands based on the role and responsibilities assigned to us. Most of us desire increased responsibility like being promoted to a manager or even a senior leadership position, but we don't often think of the corresponding power that comes with it, or how it can change us if we’re not wired to handle it.
I have read that in transmission towers, the level of power in a high voltage line is so massive it requires large insulators to prevent any unwanted current flow leaking from the cable into the earth.
So if we desire to take on added responsibilities, we need to place our own ‘insulators’ in our journey as leaders to handle the power that comes with it, to keep it from corrupting us.
Here are 3 approaches we can take to build ‘insulators’ in our lives:
1. Get a coach/mentor
A good coach can help a leader return to a state of empathy and make value-driven decisions. But in order to make this relationship count, the leader must be willing to risk vulnerability and ask for direct feedback.
2. Seek feedback
This can be done through a 360 anonymous feedback process or leaders can encourage those they trust in the company to be open and honest about their leadership. In healthy companies, that’s what the Board of Directors are there for – to keep the CEO accountable. But in order for this process to be successful, the leader needs to learn to keep their own ego at bay, truly listen and learn not to be defensive.
3. Plan for the End
I read that after serving two terms as the first President of the United States, George Washington did something revolutionary; he voluntarily gave up power by refusing to run for a third term. In that era, it was a massively different way to view a position of power. It made it clear that this power was temporary, to be used on behalf of those that put them there and then passed on. His example set a precedent for US Presidents.
We can do the same thing. We can plan for our exit and build up our successor, even if it’s not for our own business. And exiting our current position may mean taking on a new position with even greater responsibility. ●