Leadership & Power

Leadership in organisations is a privilege that gives leaders certain powers and a chance to influence others. Personality traits play a big part in the kind of leader you will become.

We all know the expression ‘power corrupts’, especially when people in power stay there for too long. There are many examples around the world of politics. It is quite similar in organisational leadership for leaders who have gained a few years of experience. Becoming a leader always carries such a risk of feeling tempted consciously or unconsciously to control and manipulate team members and consequently create a more toxic environment. This leadership position will undoubtedly expose the leader very transparently whether he or she likes it or not and whether he or she wants to show their true self or hide it or even act as someone else. All the leader’s character traits will be greatly exposed and the people they lead will very quickly get an idea of what kind of leader they are. That is why getting feedback is very valuable to one keep the leader in check and two, to learn about themselves so that they can become a better leader by adjusting their style based on the feedback received. It is also very important for the organisation to create a culture that will make sure its leaders are kept in check by having this feedback transparency.

For instance, if you have a propensity to get easily angry, to control, to be unpleasant, lazy, manipulative, or brave, courageous, a team player, a visionary, a supportive type, the people you lead will very quickly be able to let you know in many ways. That is if you create a feedback culture so that you, leader, understand how you are perceived.

Leadership might grant you more power and influence, but it will also expose the true you. Having the courage to create a culture of ‘honest’ feedback brings great benefits to the leader and the organisation. They will learn a lot more about themselves which in return will help them become a better leader. It will also avoid the mind corruption that can be so counter productive in the organisation.