Power with or power over?

Brené Brown said:

“What makes power dangerous is how it’s used. Power over is driven by fear. Daring and transformative leaders share power with, empower people to, and inspire people to develop power within.”

I’ve spent a lot of years in leadership. And one thing I’ve learned is that you don’t really know how someone holds power until they’re challenged.

It’s easy to talk about empowerment, integrity, and accountability when everyone agrees.

But what happens when someone disagrees with you? Questions your decisions? Holds you accountable?

Do you get curious? Make room for their experience? Examine your own impact?

Or do you attempt to use your authority to regain control?

Disagreement is not disrespect.

Accountability is not an attack.

And perceived authority doesn’t make you right.

Leadership isn’t about being beyond question. It’s about having the capacity to remain present when you’re questioned.

Because power isn’t the problem.

It’s what we do with it when we’re challenged.