When we talk about leadership, it’s easy to assume that power is an inherent part of the equation. After all, many traditional models of leadership—whether in politics or business—equate influence with control. But what if this assumption is flawed? What if true leadership is about something entirely different?
Through my Holacracy research and implementing tools like role mapping with my clients, I’ve seen first-hand the transformative potential of decoupling leadership from power.
Let’s explore this paradox and what it means for organisations today.
The Cultural Appeal Of Power
Power has an undeniable allure. It’s woven into our culture and psyche as a sign of success, authority, and capability. From boardrooms to global political stages, power often takes centre stage, with leaders wielding it to influence outcomes or maintain control.
But here’s the catch: power, as traditionally understood, can undermine the very qualities that make leadership effective. Studies show that power can impair empathy and emotional intelligence—traits vital for inspiring and leading teams effectively. According to research published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, individuals in positions of power often experience a decline in their ability to consider others’ perspectives.
This “power paradox” is a dilemma many organisations face. The qualities that help individuals rise to positions of power—confidence, assertiveness, and ambition—don’t always align with the qualities needed to lead in a sustainable, empowering way.
The Trappings Of Power vs. The Qualities Of Leadership
Let’s break this down further. Power, when misused, creates barriers:
Control Over Collaboration ~ The instinct to micromanage or dictate diminishes team autonomy and creativity.
Validation Over Vision ~ When power is sought for self-validation, it compromises an organisation's shared purpose.
True leadership, by contrast, focuses on fostering growth, alignment, and trust. It’s about creating the conditions for success rather than dictating the path. Holacracy embodies this principle by distributing power across roles rather than individuals. This decentralised model demands a shift in mindset, prioritising collaboration and transparency over control.
The Challenges Of Power
Why do so many people cling to power, or conversely, relinquish it too readily?
For some, power offers a sense of security and validation. For others, it’s intimidating to step into a leadership role that doesn’t rely on hierarchical authority. I’ve seen clients struggle with this during the transition to Holacracy and Leading Beyond Hierarchy. Role mapping—a cornerstone of this approach—can reveal gaps in understanding and confidence when it comes to personal and collective empowerment.
Power is tricky because it’s deeply tied to our identity. Rethinking leadership without power requires us to confront personal and organisational habits that may no longer serve us.
Reimagining Leadership Without Power
So, what does leadership look like when we extract power from the equation?
Empowering Through Boundaries And Transparency
Boundaries aren’t barriers; they’re frameworks for freedom. By defining clear roles and responsibilities through role mapping, teams can take empowered actions with confidence. Transparency in decision-making also fosters trust, a cornerstone of effective leadership in a Holacratic environment.
Balancing Masculine And Feminine Energies
Leadership isn’t about dominance or control. It’s about harmony. Embracing a balance of traditionally “masculine” traits (such as decisiveness) and “feminine” traits (like empathy) enables leaders to connect meaningfully while driving results.
The Power Of Reflection And Vision
True leadership requires self-awareness and a commitment to shared purpose. Reflecting honestly on one’s motivations and communicating a clear vision are essential. As I work with my clients, I encourage them to explore their organisational purpose deeply. You can read testimonials from those I’ve worked with here.
Leadership In The Age Of Holacracy
Holacracy offers a blueprint for reimagining leadership. By distributing power and focusing on role clarity, it enables organisations to align with modern needs—where agility, knowledge, and collaboration are more valuable than control.
If this resonates with you, let’s explore how we can redefine leadership in your organisation. Visit my working together page to learn about my approach, or contact me directly to start the conversation.
Conclusion
Leadership isn’t about power; it’s about purpose. By disentangling the two, we can create workplaces where collaboration thrives, individuals feel empowered, and organisations achieve meaningful success. The journey may not be easy, but it’s worthwhile.
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