Episode 58: Being Lied To? The 4 Types of Power and What to Do When What Someone Says, And What They Do, Are Different
Dec 14, 2020
What comes to mind when you think of a powerful person? Historically, the image conjured up might be that of a seasoned politician, or a ruthless corporate mogul. It might look like that CEO who wielded ultimate authority; the one who kept you in your place, had all the answers, and always had the final say.
If that characterization of power sounds familiar, then you’ve experienced the most traditional expression of the 4 Powers. Yep, there are actually 4 types of power, and 3 out of these 4 have for too long been overlooked and undervalued. Since they’ve been virtually absent from the existing power narrative, we’ve been conditioned to view power through tunnel vision, believing it to be heavy-handed and authoritative. Why has this single expression of power been so dominant?
The answer is scarcity. When powerful people believe that power is scarce, that belief forces them to grasp onto it for dear life, refusing to share it with anyone else. The truth is that power is actually abundant, and the more we share it, the greater it becomes. A belief in the abundance of power is the basis for real, genuine power. The kind of power that helps everyone rise, not just the person in charge.
In this episode, Karlee defines The 4 Powers at play in the world around us. She explains how we can move beyond the myth that power is scarce and embrace the abundance of power that actually serves us. Invoking the wisdom of Brené Brown around vulnerability in leadership, Karlee reiterates the true definition of a leader as someone who brings out the potential in people and processes. A great leader empowers the people around them, knowing there will always be enough power to go around.
Whether your life has been enhanced by a great leader, or you’re struggling to endure an ineffective one, this bumpy year has been living proof that human beings need nourishment over punishment. We deserve to exist within positive power structures, and we should expect nothing less from leaders, mentors, and above all, ourselves.
If you’re ready to explore how power, in all of its forms, is showing up in your workplace and your personal life, then this episode is for you.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- The true definition of a leader (6:32)
- The purpose of your power (9:26)
- The 4 Types of Power that manifest among people (13:24)
- The repercussions of a scarcity mindset (15:52)
- The potential of empowerment (20:55)
- Why power is infinite & how we can make it grow (23:31)
- Elements that exist where shared power is present (24:15)
- The Godzilla Effect: And how to know what to do when someone’s words don’t match their actions (25:07)
People Mentioned In This Episode:
Resources Mentioned In This Episode:
Buildings and Bridges by Ani DiFranco
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brené Brown
Karlee’s Power Assessment Guide
The Purpose of Power: How We Come Together When We Fall Apart by Alicia Garza
Lady Don't Take No Podcast with Alicia Garza
Connect With Karlee:
Messy and Magnificent is produced by the folks at Ginni Media.
