How to Gain Power & Use It to Lead Change | Business: Explained

Why It Matters

Understanding and ethically applying power enables leaders to drive change, improve performance, and foster a culture of accountability across the organization.

Key Takeaways

• Power mobilizes resources and people, not merely controls them.
• Power derives from personal, positional, and relational sources.
• Map your organization’s political landscape to locate existing influence.
• Build diverse networks for broader insight and support.
• Hold power accountable; use ethically for organizational benefit.

Summary

The video reframes power in business as a tool for mobilizing people and resources rather than a means of domination. It outlines how leaders can deliberately acquire and wield power to drive organizational change.

Three distinct sources of power are identified—personal (skills and credibility), positional (formal authority), and relational (network strength). The presenter advises mapping the organization’s political landscape to pinpoint existing influence, then expanding diverse networks to gain broader insight and support.

Developing influence hinges on trust: leaders must adapt their style, recognize bias, and maintain credibility. A key point emphasized is that ethical accountability—challenging misuse and safeguarding decisions—ensures power benefits the whole organization.

By integrating these practices, executives can challenge the status quo, mobilize stakeholders, and create sustainable impact, positioning power as a catalyst for positive transformation rather than a source of control.

Original Description

Power and influence are essential leadership skills that help you drive meaningful change within your organization. While power often has a negative reputation, it’s not about control—it’s the ability to mobilize people and resources to create a positive impact.

Effective leaders build personal, positional, and relational power by understanding organizational dynamics, developing strong networks, earning trust, and leading with accountability. Together, power and influence enable you to gain support, challenge the status quo, and turn ideas into action.

Explore our Power and Influence for Positive Impact course: https://hbs.me/yfh4zw84

To learn more about building influence and leading change, visit our Business Insights Blog: https://hbs.me/348vuvuw

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