Stating the obvious: Leading means gaining power. Why do we pretend that it’s not?

Leadership is a complex and often controversial topic. While some believe that leadership is about inspiring others and serving the greater good, others see it as a means of gaining power and control. The truth, however, is that leading does indeed mean gaining power, and it’s time we stopped pretending otherwise.

Power is a fundamental aspect of leadership. A leader who doesn’t have power is simply not effective. Power gives a leader the ability to make decisions, allocate resources, and shape the direction of the organization. Without power, a leader is merely a figurehead, a symbolic representation of the organization but with little actual authority.

Of course, there’s a difference between having power and abusing it. A good leader uses power to serve the needs of their team, to make decisions that are in the best interests of the organization, and to create a positive and productive work environment. A bad leader, on the other hand, uses power to further their own interests, to control and manipulate others, and to create a toxic work environment.

However, even good leaders need power to lead effectively. They need the ability to make decisions, allocate resources, and shape the direction of the organization. They need the power to remove obstacles, to motivate and inspire their team, and to create a culture of success.

Leadership is not just about having a positive attitude and a vision for the future. It’s also about making things happen. It’s about taking action, making decisions, and shaping the direction of the organization. To do this, a leader needs power. They need the power to allocate resources, to make decisions, and to remove obstacles.

Power is not something that can be given. It must be taken. A leader who waits for someone else to give them power will never have it. They must seize the power and use it to create change. This requires courage, determination, and a willingness to take risks.

So leading does indeed mean gaining power. It’s time we stopped pretending otherwise and acknowledge that power is a fundamental aspect of leadership. The challenge for leaders is to use power for good, to serve the needs of their team and to create a positive and productive work environment. The true test of a leader is not whether they have power, but how they use it.

What are your thoughts on the relationship between leading and gaining power? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!