What is Power?

Power. Seems a simple concept until my 5-year old son asked me this week, “What is power?” as we read a bedtime story that stated someone had great power. I stumbled and muttered something about "strength, influence..." before trailing off.

How do I define power to a child? And then as quickly as I thought that- I wondered, how do I want him to know what power is, understanding the power within him and what power can do? It was such a simple question but the answer was anything but simple.

Leaders wield incredible power to shape lives through their decisions. Yet power without purpose can lead us astray.

As I thought about power, the first image that came to mind was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I shared with my son how Martin Luther King, Jr. channeled immense personal power to change the course of history for the better. Despite resistance, MLK persevered in pursuit of his visionary dream - guided by the hope of future generations, not present detractors.

I told my son how Dr. King fought peacefully for justice despite hate, and dreamed of unity over division. His vision changed the world because it uplifted our shared hopes rather than stomping shared fears.

MLK shook the status quo with courage, conviction, and masterful communication. He led not through command-and-control, but inspiration and integrity. His selfless consideration of others, who not only might be impacted today but also tomorrow, manifests true power.

As we lead today, are we creating Dr. King's "beloved community" within our companies? Making space for diverse and unconventional thinkers to thrive authentically and advance rapidly?

My son now equates power with creating positive change within others and ourselves. That childlike clarity guides me.

What does power mean to you? How will you wield it?