Power Dynamics: Women Reframe the Definition of Power
Invariably when I ask a group of mid-career women, “What makes you feel powerful?” the room falls silent. Someone might ask, “What do you mean by power?” It’s not long before someone else confesses, “I don’t think of myself as powerful.” These reactions are partially rooted in the idea that power corrupts and excludes others. Traditional stereotypes hold that power means power over people, resources, and decisions. It’s an idea that doesn’t motivate many female leaders.
In Katty Kay and Claire Shipman’s groundbreaking book, The Power Code, the authors masterfully draw the distinction between how women think about power not as power over but the power to. Many people perceive the idea of having power over as something requiring winners and losers. Alternatively, the power to make change, do something new, or achieve a shared vision motivates and opens possibilities, especially for women. When discussions about power are framed as engaging in collaboration, and building partnerships women begin to relax. Power becomes the energy to progress toward a shared goal.
The latest Women in the Workplace report from McKinsey shows that women are more ambitious than ever. Eighty percent of women want to be promoted, up 10% from pre-pandemic levels. The flexibility of work from home has leveled the playing field in some sectors and fueled ambition. Women are poised to reframe what power means for their success in the workplace.
In my role as a coach, I guide women to make a fierce inventory of the elements that make up power. Formal and informal authority, relationships, networks, expertise, and recognition are the building blocks of understanding power. Starting with a personal vision statement I help women examine the tools they already possess to achieve that vision.
Describe your current position. What formal authority and responsibility do you have to achieve your vision?
Make a list of the relationships you have that will help you achieve your vision. Contact one person on that list.
What networks do you belong to that align with your vision? Make plans to attend one networking event that would add perspective or progress to your goal.
Take an honest look at what you know and don’t know about the topic at hand. Make one commitment to yourself toward gaining expertise or knowledge you need.
What milestones can you share and celebrate toward your goal?
Taking inventory of the building blocks of power will open the door to understanding how it supports your personal and professional goals. An honest assessment of your professional standing is the first step toward reframing power for success.
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about anna & executive horizons
Anna Alvarez Boyd, is the founder of Executive Horizons LLC, a consulting and leadership coaching business. Anna brings over 30 years of experience as a trusted senior leader to her clients. Her coaching starts with the belief that every individual is talented, creative, and whole. She supports clients to deeper self-discovery, through a unique, tailored approach for each person that includes skill building, reflective practices and leadership development.