Women Leadership: A Matter of Power or Influence?

In a recent debate on women's leadership, I was asked to reflect on a fundamental question: is leadership primarily about wielding power or exerting influence? This article summarises my views, highlighting the evolving dynamics of power and influence in contemporary leadership paradigms.

1. Power versus Influence

Traditionally, power has been synonymous with authority, the ability to command obedience, often associated with position – of command - and wealth. It still is so, in many realities. However, power is not merely about control but also about capacity—either inherent or conferred. Influence, on the other hand, operates through persuasion and relationship-building, shaping behavior and attitudes. My view is that we should overcome this dichotomy; we cannot conceive of those two concepts as being separate. Today power has changed, influence is a new form of power.

2. Pay Inequality: A Reflection of Power Dynamics

The disparity in pay underscores the unequal distribution of power within organisations and, where it exists, is the expression of the “traditional” view of power as detained by men who praise the value of their work as higher than that of women. Who holds the power decides who is paid more, this is clear. A study from the American Bar Association points out that bargaining power is crucial in mitigating this gap, with CEOs coming from outside the company without a financial background further influencing the dynamics. Understanding these nuances sheds light on the broader issue of income inequality. The question is, do women bargain when it comes to their salary?

3. The Evolution of Power

The concept of power is changing, for example, contemporary literature delineates various forms of power, emphasizing the importance of 'power with' and 'power to' in empowerment initiatives.

Today, power is increasingly intertwined with influence, or in some cases, like in social media and societal movements power has been replaced by influence. Nowadays, for example, influencers wield significant power, leveraging their platforms to effect change and shape opinions, they generate millions of sales, and they bring people to the ballots. However, true influence transcends mere popularity; it is about purpose-driven action toward a shared goal. This is what some parts of society are striving for, for example, the young generation and their engagement towards safeguarding the environment.

4. Developing Influence

Unlike power, most of the time received or passed on and exercised, influence is a skill that requires cultivation. Building trust-based relationships and using persuasive abilities are essential components of effective influence. Positive relationships fostered through networking amplify the impact of influence, reinforcing the interconnectedness of power and influence in organisational dynamics. Robust networking is essential to maintain influence and to use that influence to shape or change reality, that is to have power.

6. Leveraging Influence in Leadership

Leaders who prioritise influence over power reap enduring benefits. Influence fosters long-term engagement encourages diversity of thought and enables effective delegation. Moreover, expanding one's network enhances influence and impact, facilitating holistic leadership development.

Leadership transcends the dichotomy of power versus influence, embracing a multifaceted approach that leverages both. By understanding the nuanced interplay between power and influence, women leaders can navigate complex organisational landscapes with efficacy. Ultimately, it's not just about wielding authority but about inspiring meaningful change through purposeful influence.

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Growing influence is the new form of POWER.

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