Power is always present in leadership… whether you realise it or not.
In my work with leadership teams, I see how often power shows up in ways people don’t talk about.
Not in obvious or intentional ways, but in the small moments. Who speaks first. Whose opinion carries weight. What gets challenged… and what gets left unsaid.
In this episode, I break down the four ways power shows up inside executive teams, and how these patterns can quietly shape your culture, your decisions, and your results.
From dominance and control, to holding back and avoiding challenge, these dynamics are happening in every team… whether you’re aware of them or not.
This isn’t about removing power. It’s about understanding how you’re using it.
Because the moment you can see it, you can change it.
00:00 How power shows up in your leadership 00:33 Where power shows up in executive teams 01:00 Why avoiding power creates problems 01:40 Power over when control takes over 02:35 The impact of shutting down discussion 03:23 When performance hides poor behaviour 03:46 Power under when leaders stop speaking up 04:38 The illusion of alignment in teams 05:06 Power with working as a collective 05:34 Power within building self trust as a leader 06:01 How pressure shifts leadership behaviour 06:26 Why people stop speaking up across the business 06:50 Three shifts to change how power is used 07:42 Why strong teams don’t avoid tension 08:08 Final reflection on how power is really being used
This Episode Explores
• Power dynamics in leadership teams • Executive team behaviour and decision making • Psychological safety and speaking up • Leadership self awareness • Managing dominance and control • Building stronger team alignment • Creating healthier leadership cultures
Reflection Questions for Leaders
• Where might I be using control instead of creating space for others • When do I hold back instead of speaking up • How do I react when I’m challenged • What is the impact of my behaviour on the team
If this episode makes you pause or reflect, that’s where the real work starts.
Leadership isn’t about removing pressure or power. It’s about understanding how you show up within it.
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