Leadership and Power: The Key to Unlocking Your Potential

The Moment You Wish You Had Acted Sooner

Think back to a time when you hesitated instead of taking initiative—when you waited for the perfect moment, or for someone else to step in, only to regret it later. Maybe it was a business decision, a leadership opportunity, or even a personal situation where taking action would have changed the outcome. Waiting is the opposite of power.

Power isn’t about control—it’s about the ability to influence, create movement, and drive change. Without power, leaders find themselves constantly reacting to crises rather than shaping their environment. Those who embrace power, however, become the change agents that transform their world.

Why Power is Essential for Leadership

Terry Porter delivered a powerful prayer at a local veterans’ event.

The Bible reminds us in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” While we are not omniscient or all-powerful, we do have the ability to influence our surroundings and bring order to chaos (Genesis 1:28).

You can go through life in one of two ways:

1. Let the environment impose its will on you.
2. Impose your will on the environment.

Leaders without power are always reactive—they are problem-solvers but rarely visionaries. They constantly put out fires, rather than preventing them. True leaders, however, shape their world. They impose their values, will, and vision in a way that benefits those around them.

Debunking the Power vs. Love Myth

Too often, we believe the false idea that power and love cannot coexist—that being powerful means being unkind or domineering. But true leadership integrates both love and power. The most influential leaders are those who lead with both conviction and compassion.

Ask yourself: Have you ever had a leader who embodied both love and power? Chances are, they were the kind of leader who inspired you, challenged you, and helped you grow.

The Three Benefits of Power in Leadership

1. Power Gives You the Ability to Cast Vision

A leader must bring the energy and direction for their team. Without vision, teams stagnate. Leaders who embrace power can confidently say, “This is where we’re going, and here’s why it matters.”

2. Power Creates Movement

Growth requires momentum. Whether in business or personal development, progress beats perfection every time. Even bad movement is better than no movement. Leaders must train their teams to keep pushing forward and solving new problems. No problems, no profits.

3. Power Leads to Influence

You manage things, but you lead people. Strong leaders set the mission, provide resources, and empower their team members to operate in their strengths. Leaders who micromanage stifle growth, but those who empower and release their team create high-performing cultures.

Ask yourself: Have you ever had a leader who unleashed your potential? If so, you know firsthand the impact of leading with power.

Where Does Power Come From?

1. Relational Security – Leaders who feel safe and secure in their relationships tend to lead with confidence rather than fear. (1 Peter 4:10)
2. Pushing Against External Challenges – Growth comes from resistance. Leaders who have overcome adversity develop greater strength and resilience.
3. Taking Risks – Bold goals (B-HAGs: Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals) increase a leader’s sense of power and confidence when they take action despite fear.

The Obstacles to Power

1. Fear of Hurting Others – Some leaders throttle their power because they’re afraid of pushing too hard. Strong leaders challenge people while also supporting them.
2. Avoidance of Conflict – Ignoring problems doesn’t make them go away. Leaders who avoid confrontation often end up overreacting later.
3. Confusing Power with Control – You can’t control people, but you can influence them through your words, passion, vulnerability, and leadership.

Skills Every Leader Needs to Build Power

1. Speak Up – Share your opinions confidently, especially on important issues.
2. Develop Physical Strength – A strong body fosters a strong mind. Exercise and proper rest help leaders maintain energy and clarity.
3. Push Others to Grow – Great leaders challenge their team members to go beyond their comfort zones while offering consistent support.
4. Stay Mission-Focused – Always check in with your team and ensure that your leadership remains about them, not just about results.

Terry Porter is an Executive Life Coach. Working with clients to clarify and pursue their life dreams.

Are You Ready to Step Into Your Leadership Power?

If you’re tired of reacting to problems instead of creating meaningful change, it’s time to develop the leadership power you need to influence, inspire, and drive results.

📢 Let’s talk! I offer small business and leadership coaching designed to help leaders like you develop clarity, confidence, and strategic influence.

💡 First-time clients receive a FREE team consultation! Let’s discuss how to empower your team for greater impact.

📞 Call/Text: 231-499-9069
📧 Email: [email protected]