Why Leaders Must Reflect on Their Relationship with Power

Power shapes every decision we make as leaders. Yet, many of us move through leadership roles without fully understanding how power influences our actions, relationships, and impact. Developing a power lens means intentionally examining how power operates within ourselves and our organizations. Without this awareness, we risk blind spots that can undermine trust, stifle innovation, and limit our effectiveness.

Growing up in a military environment, I initially saw power as authority or control. Over time, I realized it's more complex, flowing through relationships, culture, and unspoken rules. Developing a power lens revealed how my biases shaped my use of power and how others experienced me as a leader.

What does power mean to you?

Why Leaders Need a Power Lens

Leaders who misunderstand their relationship with power can face unintended consequences, such as silencing team members or creating fear by pushing too hard for results, or causing disengagement by gatekeeping information, despite good intentions.

Developing a power lens allows leaders to:

• Recognize power dynamics in meetings, decision-making, and communication

• Understand how their position influences others’ behavior and choices

• Identify when power is used responsibly to build connection versus when it creates barriers

• Reflect on how privilege, identity, and organizational culture shape power relations

  
  

By seeing power clearly, leaders can choose how to wield it more thoughtfully. This leads to stronger relationships, more inclusive environments and better outcomes.

Ignoring Power Is Like Driving Blindfolded

We might think we are leading fairly, but we miss how power imbalances affect others. In one organization I supported, the leadership team believed they were open and collaborative. Yet, when we mapped out power flows, it became clear that a few voices dominated decisions. This insight sparked honest conversations and changed how meetings were structured, allowing more diverse input and shared ownership.

Without developing a power lens, leaders risk:

• Perpetuating exclusion or bias

• Undermining psychological safety

• Missing opportunities for innovation

• Damaging trust and morale

  
  

Practice Moves to Develop a Power Lens

Coaching provides a valuable environment for cultivating a power perspective, which is an ongoing practice rather than a single activity. Come to your next coaching session with an experience, challenge or agenda to address. Then, during the session, you can delve deeply into the factors surrounding your situation, examining not just the surface issues but also the underlying beliefs and assumptions that may be influencing your perspective.

If you'd like to begin developing a power lens on your own, here are three reflective questions you should begin asking:

• Who holds power here?

• How am I using my power?

• Who might be excluded by this decision?

  
  

It is through this iterative process that a power perspective begins to form and integrated into daily life. Over time, see how it becomes a natural part of your decision-making and relationship-building.

p.s. This work is meant to be experienced, not just read. If you’re looking for a thought partner for your next leadership gathering, let’s talk!