Leaders Become Stronger By Sharing Their Power

Have you ever wondered why dictatorial or tyrannical leaders, although extremely powerful and feared, almost always eventually are turned out of often, losing all their power, etc.? Have you noticed that the strongest leaders are generally those that think more about creating value for others, and dedicate themselves to locating, qualifying, training and developing future leaders? Why is it that leaders who share their power, rather than hog it for themselves, become the strongest and most respected? How can a leader share power, while retaining control and influence, and getting things done in a forward - looking, priority - based, visionary manner?

1. It is essential to understand that there is a huge difference between sharing power, and simply delegating responsibility to others. Delegating only is effective when the right steps are put into place first, and these include proper and effective training, mentoring, oversight and reporting, clear - cut goals and expectations, explaining the needs, and making sure that whoever responsibility is delegated to, is ready and prepared to get the needed jobs done. In my over thirty years of working with well over a thousand leaders, in all aspects of leadership necessities, I have observed repeatedly a confusion between delegating and merely pawning off responsibility on a haphazard basis. I have never met anyone in leadership who admits that they merely don't want to do the necessary tasks required to be a true leader, but have often observed that to be precisely the case. There is often a fine line between sharing power and delegating, yet it is one that a true and effective leader must fully be cognizant of.

2. How does a leader best share responsibility, yet not simply appear to be trying to get others to do things he does not wish to do? It all begins with clear and transparent communication, where all involved fully understand the essential components of the need, ideas, concepts and plan that the leader proposes. Great leaders lead by example for many reasons. The primary reason for leadership by example, of course, is that it is the honorable and true way to do things. How can anyone believe a leader who won't do himself what he asks others to do? What many in leadership fail to realize is that it is not below a leader to roll up his sleeves and do, and that when a leader does so, others notice and are far more motivated to get involved. This is the best way to share power, because power is not about being mighty or have the my way or the highway point of view. Rather, a leader gains power when he motivates others to do more and be more, and the only way a leader can truly create a meaningful legacy is by developing others that will carry on his ideas and programs.

Many worthwhile programs and ideas go nowhere because someone in leadership is more concerned about his perceived power and influence, rather than achieving his goals. Great leaders learn how to share their power for the greater good, and longevity.