Are You Creating from Authentic Power?

I recently spoke with a client who works with an executive management team of a fortune 100 company. Their meetings overflow with power plays, debates and shouting matches. The man who has the longest tenure shouts the loudest and gets his way in decision-making. My client dislikes the politics and the aggression, but he commands a lucrative salary, and he has not yet decided what he wants to do differently in his career.

Here is my question: Do you think the loudest executive is using authentic power? Do you think he demonstrated authentic power by shouting the loudest and pulling rank because of his seniority? Do you think he evidenced high self-esteem when he pushed his weight around? People who resort to bullying suffer from low self-esteem. When they dominate others, it is a cover up for their insecurity. They masquerade as powerful people.

If the decision-maker experienced authentic power, he would facilitate win-win solutions for the company’s best interest, for the team members, and for his customers. He would focus on the values and goals of each individual, and support them to achieve their full potential through their work. He would express the courage to lead from his heart with integrity, respect, and wisdom.

Now let’s consider the behavior of the rest of the executive team. They agreed to let the man with the loudest voice have the final choice. They allowed themselves to be dominated by him. I call that collusion.  

There are no victims except by conscious or unconscious participation.

If they embodied authentic power, they would co-lead in such a way that everyone would treat each other as equals. They would realize that they each possessed different expertise, and they would combine that knowledge for the good of the whole. They would not be afraid to voice the complete truth, and they would not play political games. They would deeply connect with the quiet solid power within themselves… the Higher Power. Everyone would feel the difference. It would not be overbearing. It would not be manipulative. It might be confrontational, but the truth would ring through clearly.

Authentic power coupled with wisdom is impossible to ignore.

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To reprint this article, please include the author’s information. Benita A. Esposito, M.A. is an executive coach and corporate trainer who works with high-achievers. Specialties include authentic power, personal mastery, conflict resolution, team building, communication skills, stress management and emotional intelligence. Please contact Benita A. Esposito, M.A. at info@EspositoInstitute.com or call 770.998.6642. View details at www.EspositoInstitute.com.