Achieving success and influence in today’s corporate landscape is not simply a matter of talent, hard work, or being in the right place at the right time. The dynamics of power, influence, and perception play a critical role in determining who ascends to leadership and who remains in the background. As an executive coach working with leaders across diverse industries, I’ve seen firsthand how understanding the subtleties of power—and, more importantly, how to wield it effectively—can transform a leader’s trajectory.

This article draws on general themes from Jeffrey Pfeffer’s Power: Why Some People Have It and Others Don’t while blending these concepts with my insights and experiences, working as a global organizational leader and most recently as an executive coach to provide practical strategies and real-world applications. Whether you’re aspiring to advance in your career or seeking to enhance your influence as a current leader, understanding these dynamics and applying them strategically can significantly elevate your professional impact.

*Jeffrey Pfeffer’s Book - Power: Why Some People Have It and Others Don’t available at Amazon*

Understanding the Dynamics of Influence

Power is often misunderstood as mere authority, title, or formal position. In reality, it’s about driving outcomes, shaping perceptions, and moving people toward shared goals. Leaders without formal authority—such as project managers or mid-level directors—can gain immense influence by honing their ability to read situations, understand people, and strategically apply their strengths.

Personal Power: Building the Foundation

Personal power stems from your skills, reputation, and ability to contribute value. This foundation enables you to command respect and inspire confidence.

Actionable Strategies:

Strength Audit: Identify your top three to five strengths and pinpoint specific examples of how they’ve contributed to organizational success. Reflect on whether these strengths align with your current role’s demands.
Perception Alignment: Conduct informal feedback sessions with trusted colleagues. Ask how they perceive your contributions and compare their insights with your self-assessment. This process will uncover blind spots.
Visibility Plan: Don’t assume your work speaks for itself. Look for opportunities to showcase your skills through presentations, strategic initiatives, or mentoring.

Example: A senior director at a manufacturing firm transitioned from being recognized for analytical skills to becoming a trusted voice in strategic planning. By seeking out high-visibility projects and networking with decision-makers, she redefined her value proposition and became indispensable.

Strategic Influence: Cultivating Meaningful Relationships

Relationships are the currency of influence. Yet, many leaders focus solely on relationships with superiors, neglecting horizontal and downward connections. True influence comes from nurturing a diverse network.

Practical Tips for Relationship-Building:

Network Audit: Map key stakeholders in your organization. Include decision-makers, influencers, and connectors. Ensure a balance of relationships across hierarchies and functions.
Micro-Engagements: Dedicate 10-15 minutes weekly to check in with peers or team members. Share insights, express gratitude, or simply connect on a personal level.
Collaborative Projects: Proactively participate in cross-functional projects. These collaborations often lead to mutual respect and long-term alliances. Example: A finance leader built strong alliances across departments, including marketing and HR. This cross-functional network positioned him as a connector and problem-solver, increasing his influence during company-wide initiatives.
Leverage Informal Interactions: Small gestures, like acknowledging colleagues’ contributions or celebrating milestones, can help nurture relationships without requiring significant time investment.

Perception Management: Shaping Your Narrative

Perception often trumps reality in professional environments. Managing how you’re seen is not manipulation but a strategic alignment of your authentic self with your professional goals.

Steps to Shape Perceptions Effectively:

Intentional Communication: Be mindful of the language you use in emails, meetings, and informal interactions. Consistency reinforces credibility.
Documenting Wins: Keep a record of your achievements and share them tactfully during performance reviews or team updates.
Proactive Ownership: When mistakes occur, take responsibility quickly. Transparency often strengthens trust and showcases leadership maturity.
Publicize Success Stories: Without boasting, find ways to make your contributions known. For example, sharing lessons learned from a successful project in a team meeting can reinforce your value.

Example: A VP of Operations turned a potential reputational crisis into a demonstration of accountability by openly addressing a project failure, outlining corrective measures, and involving her team in the recovery process.

Navigating Organizational Politics

Understanding and navigating workplace politics is essential. Avoiding politics altogether may lead to missed opportunities and marginalization. Instead, approach politics as a way to understand power dynamics and align efforts strategically.

Political Savvy in Action:

Observe Patterns: Identify who influences decisions and how they do so. Note the informal leaders who sway opinions and actions.
Balanced Advocacy: Combine assertiveness with curiosity. When presenting ideas, frame them as solutions to shared challenges rather than personal ambitions.
Alliances Through Listening: Use active listening to uncover underlying motivations. This not only aids in relationship-building but also equips you to anticipate resistance.
Use Neutral Ground for Disagreements: When navigating difficult political situations, find common ground that aligns stakeholders, minimizing friction.

Example: A divisional leader in a healthcare company learned to balance his direct communication style with inquiry, leading to stronger alliances and broader acceptance of his ideas.

The Power of Strategic Persistence

Power isn’t built overnight. It requires consistent effort, patience, and resilience. Leaders who invest in personal growth, relationship-building, and adaptability sustain influence longer.

Long-Term Strategies:

Continuous Learning: Regularly update your knowledge base through courses, reading, or mentorship. Staying current ensures relevance.
Resilience Practices: Develop habits like journaling, mindfulness, or coaching to maintain focus and navigate setbacks gracefully.
Feedback Loops: Periodically seek feedback to refine your strategies and reinforce relationships.
Sustained Efforts: Avoid focusing solely on quick wins. Develop a vision for long-term growth and align daily actions with it.

*Listen to my Audio PodCast: Leadership Insights Cofee Chat, Episode #9*

Elevating Leadership Through Intentional Power

Leveraging power is a nuanced endeavor rooted in authenticity, strategy, and integrity. By focusing on personal growth, nurturing relationships, managing perceptions, and navigating politics wisely, you can transform your influence and impact as a leader. Remember, power isn’t about controlling others; it’s about empowering yourself and those around you to achieve extraordinary outcomes.

For leaders and professionals at every level, the journey toward power is ongoing. The key is to remain intentional, patient, and grounded in your values as you navigate this complex, yet rewarding, terrain. With these strategies and a clear understanding of how power works, you can confidently advance your career and leave a lasting impact on your organization.