The Silent Signals of Leadership: How to Harness Your Power Wisely

In the early stages of my career, I had a very ambitious manager who selected the size of the Christmas card she gave based on the seniority of the recipient. It was her way of paying homage to the power that others held. As a junior newby, naturally mine was from the distinctly budget, mini range .

Power is an unavoidable part of leadership.

There's no hiding from it and it's one of the most influential tools in a senior leader’s arsenal – but its impact depends entirely on how it's wielded.

Used well, power inspires teams, fosters trust, and drives exceptional results. Used carelessly, it sows confusion, fear, and resentment. In this post, I’ll explore five ways senior leaders can use their power wisely to build stronger, more connected, and resilient organisations. These practical insights will help you lead with intention and use your power for good. 

1. Practise self-management

Power amplifies everything a leader does.

You send a direct email, your team picks it up as major criticism.

You’re a bit quiet today, your team wonders what they’ve done wrong. You speak a bit sharply, your team feels undermined and scolded. Leaders can’t afford to have an off-day – or at least, can’t afford to think it doesn’t matter when they do.

You must manage your emotions and behaviours when you’re leading people.

2. Be consistent

People appreciate consistency from their leaders because they feel safe. If leaders frequently shift goal posts, or are indecisive, people don't know how to respond.

Consistent leadership behaviour and messaging is crucial because it helps to build trust and certainty, so people can focus on their jobs rather than second-guessing what is coming next from their leader.

3. Don't complain about your boss to your team

Sometimes your boss will frustrate you.

You may have the boss from hell.

Maybe you need to sound off to keep your sanity.

But don't use your team as a sounding board to complain about your boss. It's not your team's role to fix your problems with your boss. Instead, talk to your boss about it directly, discuss it with your coach, or chat it through with your trusted network to get their insights and support about how to manage the situation. If your team members experience your boss's poor behaviour directly, don't ignore its impact but always take a constructive approach to finding a way forward.

4. Engage at all levels

One of the most respected and liked CEOs I ever worked with was renowned for making time to engage at grass-roots as well as at Boardroom levels. It's easy to forget to do this because, no matter your level in an organisation, there's always someone more senior whose requirements you need to meet.

It’s easy to focus all your attention upwards.

But managing your power well means you reserve most of it for engaging with those who are less powerful than you. After all, they're the people who will ensure you satisfy the demands from above.

5. Remember just how powerful you appear

Most leaders I coach don't realise just how much power they wield because they are only too aware of the decisions they can't influence, the people who don't give them time, the results they're struggling to deliver. But from the perspective of those looking upwards, you are powerful. If you are to use your power well, you must first notice and use the power you posses, not just the power you don't.

Ultimately, your power as a leader is a responsibility, not just a privilege. 

When used with care, consistency, and connection, it will create an environment where trust thrives, challenges are met with confidence, and your team feels truly supported. Using power well demands intentionality – in your moods, your words, and your actions. Reflect on how you’re currently using your power and consider how small shifts can make a big difference. The ripple effects will bring a return on investment for you that repays your focus many times over.