Power and influence plays out in many forms and this month I explore how we can benefit from reflecting on the way we use, abuse and make a difference by the way we employ our power and influence.
Resilience is what we all seek in 2021. Resilience relies on the capacity to find agency in the face of adversity. Furthermore, with each opportunity to reflect on the lessons of an adverse event, we build the foundation to connect more and more dots and develop wisdom. HOW is a big question on which we will all want to reflect! How do we become more resilient? Ultimately, what is needed to sustain and expand the resilience we gain in this VUCA world?
First, the year started the theme of resilience by exploring love, however, in February I shifted to peace, then on to courage.
2021 theme: resilience
May topic: Power
Weekly Foci included:
- Power plays at work;
- The power of words;
- Priorities steer our Actions;
- Power Sources Matter; and,
- Influence as Currency.
“Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It’s about impact, influence and inspiration. Impact involves getting results, influence is about spreading the passion you have for your work and you have to inspire team-mates and customers.”
– Robin S. Sharma
Resilience is enhanced when each of us is willing to stand up when the circumstances all for a challenge to the status quo. Frankly, that is more often needed than we would like to believe. AND, it is how the right things change and evolve over time.
NEW FORMAT THIS YEAR
What surfaced through the month?
In the first week,
I started with self awareness. It is the foundation for all self knowledge. Before we are able to make thoughtful decisions we must first know our self. When we start by acknowledging our power and privilege we put it to better use.
In the second week,
Words are powerful. They are the way we understand others and the way we reflect our own view point on the world. How we choose to gain and use words makes a huge difference in the power we have and how we wield it.
Week three,
Interestingly, people put a lot of energy into passing the buck. We have seen it used as an art form during this pandemic. A society’s and a leaders priorities are made clear in the decisions that are made. We know the objectives by the tradeoffs that are frequently made.
Week four
The concept of knowing the source of power requires that we own our power and influence and learn how to use it responsibly.
Week five
Knowing our influence and power has the capacity to generate value offers us agency. This knowledge empowers and is healthiest when accompanied with a high dose of accountability.
This Month’s Reflective Questions
Weekly reflective questions for May:
- ONE: when am I responsible to use the power or influence I have to make change or raise red flags & what do I need to do to ensure I see my own power and influence.
- TWO: how do I ensure my words express clarity to make my influence and power responsible? Additionally how do I listen for greater understanding of others too?
- THREE: what are your current priorities and how are these particular priorities driving or steering the way you apply or utilize your power?
- FOUR: does the source of the power or influence you are wielding impact how you appropriate use or sometimes abuse it? Be thoughtful and mindful so you are positioned to see around the next corner, ready.
- FIVE: how do I bank, invest and spend my influence wisely, to make a difference and generate value for myself and others?
Weekly Podcast Episodes Quick Source
Weekly Newsletters for Review
power plays
In this newsletter, “Putting power to work” I discuss the significance of recognizing our power and influence so ensure we use them effectively.
power to
In “Words Are Weighty I speak to the power of the words – those we use with other and those we use to speak about our self.
Shifting Sources
Week four’s newsletter, A Preferred Source of Power I admit to my own struggle with falling into the trap of languishing.
My favorite Insight for the month
Source of Power and Influence and how our top priority reveals it self in the decisions we make, the patterns that emerge and the choices we make over and over. there are no coincidences and their are no accidents. We can find out who we are by how we leverage our power and influence. I am not happy to learn how easily I lose sight of my over all principles – espoused values anyway.
When vaccines were imminent but not a complete reality I spent time with colleagues who are medical ethicists and we all agreed it would be best if the world first prioritized health care workers all around the world, even before of seniors. Now, everyone in my family who wants a vaccine from age 12 on up has one.
We learn who we are by the priority we set. Moreover, we know what that priority is or was by our actions.
An invitation to Walk with me.
Together let’s examine options consciously and authentically to make choices that move us strategically toward where we want to be. Therefore, where my client wants to go, is my paramount focus. Strategy is about choices. Execution on these choices requires masterful performance. Furthermore, a well-developed process allows us to enjoy the journey far more fully
Be part of the journey in 2021.
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