Are you ambivalent about having and using your power? Exercising power is an important part of the leadership that women often struggle with.
 
I recently heard Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, speak to a group of ambitious, career-focused women. Her advice: “Know your power. Power isn’t power if you don’t act upon it.” Advice to My Younger Me guest, Jen Overbeck, seconded this message. “Women should look at themselves as people who have power. Whatever potential power you have, claim it right now!”
 
Here are more tips from our guest experts on claiming your power.
 
1. Redefine what power means to you.
 
Women are often ambivalent about having and exercising power because they think of it as lording it over people and making them do things they don't want to do. Redefine power as the ability to get needed resources, to influence others, and to get important things done.
 
2. Assess what power you have.
 
Women often underestimate the power they have. Power comes from many sources besides your title and your role.  It comes from your access to information, your expertise, the relationships and alliances you have, and your ability to inspire others. Do a clear-eyed assessment of the power you have. You may find you have more than you think.
 
3. Stop undermining your power.
 
Using powerless language, like hedging or apologizing, undermines your power. Be aware of how you speak and avoid language that gives your power away like – “If you don't mind...,”   “If you have time...,” “Would it be okay with you if...,”  “Could you maybe…”
 
4. Build your power.

Have conversations with colleagues so you know what is going on in the company (information is power). Bring doughnuts to the office on Friday for your co-workers (relationships are power). Mentor someone more junior than you (alliances are power).
Become an expert in something relevant to your work (expertise is power).  Work on building your confidence and your leadership skills (being able to inspire is power).
 
For more insights on claiming your power in your career, listen to episode 22 - Shift Your Thinking to Unlock Your Power with Wendy Wallbridge and episode 23 - Power! Getting it and Using It with Jen Overbeck.