More power to you! Leaders have always been keenly interested in power and how to use it in their organizations. But what, exactly, does that mean? There are lots of kinds of power and many ways to use it (and abuse it). Few rise to important positions in their organizations without the ability to skillfully use power to advance their agendas. Historically, much power was of the “do it my way or else” variety. Most leaders today, however, recognize the limitations of that strategy.

In a recent study conducted by the Center for Creative Leadership, researchers found most leaders believe the kind of power that will be most important to the future of their organizations is relationship power. The researchers concluded that, “Survey respondents recognized the power of relationships as a source of power they frequently leverage today, and a source of power they believe will be important to leverage in the future in order to be more effective leaders.” Continue reading →