When you hear the word power, what comes to mind? For many of us, it carries mixed feelings. On its own, power is neutral: it simply means the ability to act or make something happen. Fire has power, electricity has power, and so do we.
However, when I think about the phrase being in power is often where the shadow creeps in. Leaders, politicians, and bosses “in power” can make us feel small, silenced, or trapped under their authority. It’s not power itself that’s negative, but how it is concentrated and used. When power sits at the top of a hierarchy, it can become about control rather than growth.
This is why the word empower feels so different. Empowerment is not about holding power over someone. It’s about helping them unlock what’s already within. It’s expansive instead of restrictive, collaborative instead of dominating. Empowerment is power shared rather than hoarded.
A story from my coaching practice
A client once came to me frustrated with her manager. “He’s the one in power,” she said, “and I feel like I have no choice but to follow.” Her energy was low, her confidence slipping.
Over time, her mindset shifted. Instead of focusing on what her manager controlled, we explored what she still had influence over: her voice in meetings, her choice of projects, her ability to set boundaries. Slowly, she realised that empowerment was not about waiting for someone else to hand her permission. It was about finding it within herself.
She didn’t need to take power from her manager; she needed to step into her own. That shift from looking up at someone “in power” to looking inward at her own strength changed everything.
The takeaway
Power is not the enemy. But when we talk about being “in power,” it often signals authority and control, which can feel oppressive. Empowerment, on the other hand, is about distributing energy and enabling growth.
As coaches, leaders, and peers, the question is not: How do I hold onto power? The question is: How do I empower others and myself so that we all grow stronger?
Resources
From Power to Empowerment: A Paradigm Shift in Leadership
This article explores the transition from traditional power-based leadership to empowerment-based leadership, emphasising the shift from control to shared influence.
Self-leadership: The Power Behind Empowerment
This study examines how self-leadership practices contribute to empowerment, highlighting the internal processes that enable individuals to lead themselves effectively.
Power and Leadership
Brené Brown discusses the dynamics of power in leadership, advocating for leaders who share power and empower others to develop their own leadership capabilities.
