Power and Leadership
by Linda Tarrant

More Information About the Author: Click Here for the Linda Tarrant Home Page

Leadership hasn`t really changed much in recorded history. Certain people have always made things happen. That doesn`t mean they had original ideas. It means that they led people in a certain direction. I don`t mean they managed well. They led - took people in a new direction - were inspiring and motivating and got individuals to act collectively to make something happen.

Power is defined as "The great ability to do or influence". Leaders are powerful because people support their ideas and are willing to work hard to make those ideas a reality. Leaders only have power over people when people allow leaders to have power. Leaders are also licking envelopes or working midnight shifts, and living in foxholes. There are leaders in each of these situations - they are the ones motivating and inspiring the others to work harder than they wanted to work.

Power comes from the inside. It is not something that is bestowed upon us when we reach a certain level or status. People do not become leaders and then get power. We cannot "empower" people. Power radiates from within. It comes from an idea, a commitment, a belief, a longing, a sense of purpose.

Power comes from passion. That`s why leaders often exist more outside the formal organizational structure than within it. Leaders, by definition, take us in a new direction. They challenge the status quo. They love this turbulent environment. Visionaries are a small segment of leaders. Visionaries or innovators often have crazy or even bad ideas. They are also not the best/most successful leaders. Leaders are not necessarily visionaries and visionaries are not necessarily good leaders. Necessary but not sufficient.