Leading Together: Embracing 'Power-With' Leadership Through Kindness and Collaboration
DR. CHRISTOPHER S. CULVERDriving the open roads provides ample time for reflection, learning, and growth. Over the last few weeks on the #KindnessTour, I've had many hours to listen to audiobooks and podcasts, allowing me to explore new ideas and perspectives on leadership. During these travels, I've also dedicated time to reading, helping me unwind, recharge, and practice self-care after being "on" all day.
(Stay tuned for my October blog post, where I'll share the books I’ve read throughout September!)
Recently, as I was driving through the wide-open spaces of Oklahoma, I listened to a podcast on culture, mindset, and leadership. The host recommended the book Lead Together: Stop Squirreling Away Power and Build a Better Team by Tania Luna. I don’t believe in coincidences; there was a reason I heard that recommendation. I immediately ordered the book, and it arrived within days. Although I had some other required reading to complete first, I dove into this book as soon as I could while traveling to Colorado for the 3rd Annual Dual Language Conference.
The insert of the book reads: “Lead Together offers the tale of Sam Squirrel, branch manager of Nuts and You, Inc., whose company faces an impending forest recession. Sam employs the top-down leadership tactics his boss, Jack Walnuts, taught him, but only receives distrust, disengagement, poor performance, and high turnover. This fictional story grounded in psychology and applied expertise explores how you can develop power jointly with teams.”
As a researcher focused on culture, motivation, and leadership, I was eager to delve into the author's experiences through this unique lens. The book, rooted in truth and research, presents a compelling fictional story that unpacks the dynamics of power in leadership. The author emphasizes the importance of leading together—a "power-with" approach, rather than a power-down one. She also outlines different power profiles:
Power Over: Using power to control others or limit their abilities.
Power Grabber: A leadership style characterized by acquiring more authority and giving orders unapologetically.
Power Masker: Appears empowering on the surface but masks a power-over approach with options that are veiled orders.
Power Capper: Protects people from responsibility, making them less powerful in the long run.
Power Shrugger: Avoids making decisions or taking responsibility, hoping someone else will step in.
Power With: Uses personal power to increase others’ power, which, in turn, increases one’s own. By uplifting the group, we ultimately uplift ourselves.
The concept of "power with" resonated with me deeply. No matter the environment in which you work, there is undeniable strength in leading with your team. Here are 8 ways to lead with a power-with approach, guided by kindness:
1. Empower Decision-Making
What It Looks Like: Involve your team in decision-making processes by asking for input and actively listening to their ideas. This could mean delegating specific decisions to team members who are directly involved in particular aspects of a project.
Why It Matters: When individuals feel their voices are heard, they become more invested in the outcomes. By sharing power, you demonstrate trust in their abilities and show that their contributions matter.
2. Foster Open Communication
What It Looks Like: Create a safe space where team members feel comfortable voicing their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions without fear of judgment or retribution. Practice active listening, acknowledging their input and considering their perspectives.
Why It Matters: Open communication fosters trust and transparency, which are crucial for building a collaborative environment. By listening to your team, you show that you value their insights, reinforcing a culture of mutual respect.
3. Delegate with Purpose
What It Looks Like: Assign tasks based on individual strengths and interests, providing clear expectations and support. Delegating isn’t about offloading work; it’s about empowering others to take ownership and grow.
Why It Matters: Delegation demonstrates trust in your team’s capabilities and encourages skill development. When people feel trusted and supported, they are more likely to take initiative and innovate.
4. Cultivate an Atmosphere of Kindness
What It Looks Like: Practice kindness in every interaction, whether through words of encouragement, showing gratitude, or offering support when challenges arise. Celebrate successes, both big and small, and show genuine concern for each team member's well-being.
Why It Matters: Kindness nurtures a positive culture and strengthens relationships. When team members feel valued and cared for, they are more likely to invest in the collective goals of the group.
5. Recognize and Celebrate Contributions
What It Looks Like: Publicly acknowledge the efforts and successes of your team members. This can include verbal praise, written recognition in newsletters, or small tokens of appreciation.
Why It Matters: Recognition fosters a sense of belonging and motivates individuals to continue putting forth their best efforts. It reinforces the idea that every person’s contributions are crucial to the success of the team.
6. Encourage Collaborative Problem-Solving
What It Looks Like: When challenges arise, invite the team to brainstorm solutions together. Facilitate discussions that encourage diverse perspectives and collective problem-solving.
Why It Matters: Collaborative problem-solving harnesses the group's collective wisdom, often leading to more innovative and effective solutions. It also strengthens the team's sense of unity and shared responsibility.
7. Provide Autonomy with Support
What It Looks Like: Give your team members the freedom to approach tasks in their own way, while being available to provide guidance and support when needed. Avoid micromanaging; instead, trust them to use their judgment.
Why It Matters: Autonomy empowers individuals to take ownership of their work, fostering creativity and initiative. When coupled with support, it reinforces a culture of trust and shared power.
8. Be Vulnerable and Authentic
What It Looks Like: Share your own challenges, mistakes, and learning experiences openly. Being transparent about your vulnerabilities humanizes you as a leader and makes it easier for others to connect and be open.
Why It Matters: Authenticity builds trust and breaks down power barriers. When leaders model vulnerability, it creates a culture where everyone feels safe to share, learn, and grow together.
All Back to the Journey
Driving through the open roads and listening to thought-provoking ideas on leadership and culture has reinforced the importance of leading with a "power-with" approach. We have to let go of the outdated "power-over" mentality and embrace leadership that is rooted in collaboration, kindness, and trust. Tania Luna’s Lead Together encapsulates this shift beautifully, using storytelling to highlight the power dynamics that we, as leaders, must navigate daily.
Incorporating these eight strategies into our leadership practices not only empowers our teams but also elevates our collective success. It's about recognizing that when we lift others up, we lift ourselves as well. The path to effective leadership isn't a solo journey; it's a shared adventure where every member has the power to contribute and grow.
Always remember: leadership is about creating environments where everyone can thrive. Let’s strive to lead together, side by side, lifting each other up.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. Keep an eye out for my October blog post, where I’ll dive into the books that have shaped my thoughts on leadership throughout September. And as always, keep shining bright!
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