Leadership & Power

Listen to this article here.

In my Lead Like a Magician workshops I use a magic wand to illustrate an important leadership point.  

I ask the group of leaders, “How do you use your power?” as I hold the wand close to my body, using my shoulders to block much of the audience's view I ask “Do you clutch it tightly and hoard your power?” I then point it at each trainee deliberately and with force as I ask “Do you wield your power forcefully?” Swinging the wand erratically several times I ask “Do you wield it recklessly?” Looking at the wand with trepidation I drop it and step back fearfully as I ask “Are you afraid of your power? Does your power scare you?”  

Finally, I gently hold the wand in one hand while stretching my arm outwardly as I give the wand to a leader in the audience and ask “Do you hold your power openly and hand it out to others freely?” 

The point is simple and direct: How we view and use our power as leaders is reflected in how we treat our employees. The wand is a symbol of our power and responsibility as leaders. Just as the power of the universe is connected to and channeled through the magician, the powers of our organization are connected to and channeled through us as leaders.

We make the choice each day on how we will use our power. How do you use your power?

For additional insight on leadership and power definitely check out The Role of Power in Effective Leadership, a research paper published by the Center for Creative Leadership here: https://www.ccl.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/roleOfPower.pdf

About the Author: Braden is a leadership strategist and professional magician who mentors business leaders and entrepreneurs through private sessions. Braden also uses his unique skills to edutain teams seeking leadership development through his Lead Like a Magician workshop. Send inquiries to [email protected].