What is "power with", and why is it important to me as a leader?

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"Power With" Reflects What Leadership Really Means

"Power with" is a different way of thinking about power, and is at the opposite end of the power use spectrum, with "power over" methods lying at the other end of the spectrum.

While "power over" involves the use of rewards, threats, and punishment to "force" people to do something, "power with" recognizes that the ability to get things done in organizations involves creating an alliance between those with apparent formal power, and those with less or no formal power.

"Power with" recognizes that leaders can contribute to creating results by building relationships with followers based on cooperating with them, and that in the long term, it's easier to lead by creating a desire on the part of followers to do what is needed, rather than to force followers to do what is needed.

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