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3 Proven Ways to Be a Powerful Leader

What do you think of when you see the word POWER?

Do you think about people who abuse their power and authority?

Do you think about being a positive influence through your personal power?

Perhaps something else?

My favorite definition of power comes from Martin Luther King who said,

“POWER IS THE ABILITY TO EFFECT CHANGE WITH PURPOSE.”

As a leader YOU have the power to effect change with purpose.

This to me is one of the most exciting aspects of being a leader.

So, how can you do that?

Here are my top 3 suggestions for being a powerful leader.

  1. Have a powerful vision: Get clear on the purpose that drives your work. See the big picture and don’t get stuck in the weeds. Clearly communicate your vision and goals.
  2. Develop powerful relationships. Build high trust relationships so that your team will help you drive you your mission, purpose or goals with enthusiasm. Be the leader that inspires others to become their best self at work.
  3. Be powerfully transparent. Give constructive feedback right away (don’t avoid it). Provide recognition generously. Call out bad behaviour when you see it. Say sorry when you make a mistake.

Which one of these suggestions resonates most for you?

Finally, what do you think needs to change right now at work?

How can you use your power as a leader to make that change happen?

You might be popular for making this change.

You might be unpopular for challenging the status quo.

Regardless, take action when you know that you are doing the right thing.

Listen to your intuition if it has been prompting you to lead the change.

This is personal power.

This is leadership.

Vanessa Judelman

Vanessa Judelman is an author, coach, and sought-after leadership expert. Over the past 20 years, she has created a proven formula to develop results-oriented leaders who feel empowered and confident in their job. Vanessa is the author of Mastering Leadership: What It Takes to Lead in Today’s Fast-Paced World. Order your copy here.

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