How to Be a Powerful Leader without Alienating People

Once you get into a position of power, being powerful can be a joy and a short-term career highlight ― and no, I am not referring to Mr Entwistle at the BBC, tempting though it may be. Instead, I’m talking about you and what could happen if you are not careful.

I can promise you there will be no surprises here, because you have probably seen it happen before with other powerful leaders. However, as you rise in power, it is all too easy to forget this list. So, treat this as a handy reminder as you start to stride down the corridors of power.

1. Abusing your power. Namely, forcing or manipulating people to do something that they don’t want to do or, if they had full knowledge, probably shouldn’t do. Instead, focus on gaining buy-in, or at least acceptance with full disclosure.
2. Throwing your weight around. Using your lofty rank to overcome resistance, intimidate or otherwise coerce people to do your bidding. Again, focus on engaging your followers and put your weight behind them.
3. Letting it go to your head. Polishing your ego will get right up the noses of followers and peers alike. Sure, it’s okay to be happy, but as my mother always said, “Pride comes before a fall”. Instead, practise genuine humility ― no, not pretend humility, they will probably spot it.
4. Allowing your barons to run riot. Key supporters who have helped you to succeed will be rightly pleased and also feeling more powerful. Don’t let them get carried away. Instead, share this post with them and make sure they don’t alienate people on your behalf.

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5. Hesitating to use your power. Yes, you need to take care, but don’t be too cautious. You are in position to make things happen. Power has been vested in you with the expectation that it will be used. So use it, and use it well ― followers will respect that even if they don’t like it.
6. Being selfish. Power at its best is distributed. Don’t hold on to it like Scrooge. Empower your people to do what they need to do.
7. Overestimating your capability. All too easy to believe that the power you have can change the world. Of course you need to demonstrate ambition, but never underestimate the power assembled around you to keep you in your place and stop you taking over.

There are more, perhaps you can think of some and let me know your thoughts? Overall it seems to me that if you want to be successful as a powerful leader, you’ve got to remember that it’s people you are leading, not numbers or heads. Being human means judicious fallibility, care and sensitivity, engagement and bucket loads of good humour. Just relax and be likeable you with a few more teeth.