Power is often misconstrued to be held only by people in positions of authority.  There is a lingering perception that anyone with a title greater than ours has the power.  If you are above me within the rigid boxes and lines of an organizational chart, you have more power than me as well.

Power in organizations is earned, not granted by structure and policy.  Those that are the most productive, the most collaborative, and the most accomplished with reaching meaningful goals possess the real power.  This could be anyone within an organization, irrespective of structure and title.

Many give away their capacity to wield power within an organization out of personal  hesitancy or fear.  It’s easier and safer to just lay low and contend that it’s above my pay grade to demonstrate any sort of power.  Imagine a team or an organization where all chose to produce, collaborate, and reach meaningful goals with a shared power.  Power is available to everyone with a little courage.

“Power consists in one’s capacity to link his will with the purpose of others, to lead by reason and a gift of cooperation.”   — Woodrow Wilson  —

MITM