Exercise More Power Whether You’re 21 or 91

As a Super Achiever engaged in the perfection of your skills and mastering your craft, there will come a time when you will be called upon to step into a leadership role. 

You might not want it or even see yourself as a leader, but other people might see differently. You may be called on to present in front of a group to persuade them on the significance of your work. 

What ever the case may be, when that time comes, you will want to be ready to display a powerful engagement. 

How do you do that? Let's talk about it for a minute to make sure you have the key points to get you started.

Set Early Expectations

The first step to exercising your true power is to set early expectations about your role, your position, and your dedication to finding the best solutions. 

Other people feel comfortable when there is a clear understanding of the role you play, and what qualifies you to fill that role. Just because you carry the title of "Leader" doesn't give you real power. 

Real power comes from paying the price to qualify you to lead the charge. 

As the leader you set early expectation of what you want go get from your team or organization. 

You don't wait for others to make the decisions, you make them while taking full responsibility for the outcomes. 

Stating your decisions first will put you in the position of power throughout your interactions.

Want Respect - Give Respect

Want to be powerful? Treat people with professional courtesy, decency, and respect to show your real power as a leader. 

People who demonstrate their power to give respect first will most always receive that same respect in return. 

Demonstrate to others that their time is just as valuable as yours, and treat them accordingly. 

I like to think of a modified version of the Golden Rule: Threat others better than you would like to be treated. That way, you'll be sure to treat them right.

Hopefully you will get the same in return. 

Keep People Informed

Good communication is an absolute must if you want to demonstrate power. The phrase "communicate early and often" is the good rule of thumb. People on your team must have information as early as possible to make good timely decisions. 

If you want to stand out from the crowd, become an expert at follow up. This is where most people fall short. Some don't think it's necessary at all. You want to take every opportunity to follow up as quickly as you can. You will resolve issues faster when you follow up often.

Clear Easy-To-Understand Communication

Clear communications reduce the chances of misunderstandings which lead to mistakes. If your communications can be understood by a third grader, you will eliminate ambiguity and confusion. 

They say the sign of intelligence is being able to communicate complex ideas with simplicity. Everyone deserves to get clear messages. 

If you want to know if you are communicating clearly, just ask the receiver to repeat what was said. If they can't do that easily, you may not be communicating clearly enough.

Written communications are another way to clarify the message because it can be stored and referenced when necessary.  

Anticipate What's Needed

Show your power as a leader by anticipating the needs of others before they even ask. This shows that you are paying attention to the process and know what it takes to get a job done. 

Every task requires certain resources at specific times. Don't wait to be asked for them. Anticipate the need and have them ready so that the process continues without unnecessary delays.  

If you are asked to provide something, deliver it right away. Don't wait to be asked a second time. This brings questions about your capability to do your work efficiently, especially when others are dependent on you.

Fully Engage

As a leader, looking like you're so busy that you can't give your undivided attention does not make you look important. 

When you are talking to someone, give them your full attention. Grabbing your cell phone every five seconds to answer text messages is not multitasking. It is just rude. 

Let people know that when they are taking to you, they have your undivided attention. They will value meaningful conversations with you more. Giving your undivided attention sends the message that you really care.

Work Well With Others

If the people around you dread working with you, how do you think they'd feel working for you. Make it easy for others to engage with you by making it a point to accept and welcome their thoughts and ideas. 

Listen to each other and learn from one another. The free flow of sharing ideas between members of the group helps build close teams that enhance each others' capabilities. 

Instead of finding faults, find opportunities to compliment and support each other. There is nothing more powerful than working with team members you can trust.

Do Effective Networking

Powerful leaders have powerful networks. Always remember that it is important to grow and maintain  effective networks. 

Sometimes great things happen from connecting with someone in your network. When you spend your time building that right network, it demonstrates that you are in a position to get things done. 

Making the right connections with other powerful people can boost you to another level. Actively seek out powerful people to connect with and constantly build your network.

Showing Anger Is OK

Showing anger as a leader has two sides that are equally dangerous. One extreme is to never show anger with your team and the other is always expressing anger with your team. 

Powerful leaders understand that there will be times when it is appropriate to express your anger, but when you do, focus it on non-productive procedures. Don't direct it toward people and their personalities. 

Procedures can be fixed to run better. People can't. It's better to be slow to anger, but when you do, express it towards the right things.

Don't Be Afraid To Make Some Enemies Along The Way

No matter how good you think you are, there will always be someone that will not like you at all. Many times there is no valid reason. They will hate you no matter what you do. 

If you run into a few along the way, you must be doing something right. If you don't have any enemies, you may want to make sure that you're not people-pleasing. 

Don't be afraid to go against the grain sometimes and stand up for what you think is right. Yes it might rub some people the wrong way, but be true to yourself first. 

You can be tactful  and open-minded, but if you are right, don't pull any punches. Put it out there and let it land where it may. You may not get your way, but be willing to compromise if it keeps you moving closer to your goals.

Project Your Personal Power

Whether or not you are in a leadership role, make it a point to always project your personal power.  Carrying yourself in such a way that projects a presence of power is attractive. Other people will be drawn to you. 

Having strong personal convictions, communicating clear powerful messages, and treating others with a deep sense of respect will take you a long way. 

Every team needs strong players to win, so let your power be known in all your efforts to make that team successful.