Here’s How to Identify and Own Your Power

I’ve worked in public relations for over 22 years. I have a variety of experiences that span public affairs, strategic communications crisis communications and publicity. In fact, some of my clients and partners call me The PR Whisperer. With a career spanning decade, I’ve learned from success and failure. And there’s one thing about power I’d like you to know.

It’s easy to give away our power, or believe we don’t have it.  Giving away our power is refusing to see and own our power. It is forgetting that we always have choice, even when others benefit from us not realizing our capacity to choose. It’s important to note that giving away our power can happen consciously or subconsciously. But what does it look like?

Here are four ways leaders give away power.

Overestimating the Ability of Others

Sometimes we underestimate our capabilities and overestimate the skills of others. We see ourselves. We live with ourselves and we are acquainted with our strengths and weaknesses. If we don’t have a proper view of ourselves, we will esteem others, higher than we value ourselves. That is a recipe for disaster. If you have a tendency to be harder on yourself than others, be sure to look for proof before you bestow on others unproven traits.

Allowing Others to Define Us

We give away our power by allowing others to define us and then walking in their definition. If you’re a leader running a small or large organization, continue to think about how you want to be known and take steps to seed that narrative. Take time to think about what you want your legacy to be. Then use that language in how you define yourself. You can use this narrative in your personal and business bio, on your website, on social media, and in interviews.

Surrendering our Voice

This could look like remaining silent when we should speak up. It should look like declining opportunities to share your perspective. But here’s the thing, your perspective and voice matter – share and use both…strategically. If you struggle in this area, consider seeking external support to help you access and share your voice.

Believing We Don’t Have Power

We give away our power by not realizing that we actually have power. When we’re under attack, it can be easy to get discouraged. If we’ve been in a season where the loses appear to pile up, we can feel like giving up. Or you can believe you lack power. Ask a friend to help you think about options available to you, and areas in which you excel. Regardless of what’s happening around you, you have power. Seize it.

If you need help owning and standing in your power, reach out and schedule a consultation with our team today. Visit www.spotlightpr.org to learn more.

Jennifer R. Farmer, aka The PR Whisperer,® is the principal of Spotlight PR LLC. Be sure to check out other blogs and subscribe for regular communications updates.