Author: Nilima Bhat, Faculty of Excellence professor at the Conscious Enterprises Center of Tecnológico de Monterrey.
From the streets of India to the boardrooms of the Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico, the pursuit of power has been a driving force for human beings. I remember as a child, at the family breakfast table, conversation about the day's news used to be the center of attention. Recurring themes were who gained power and who lost it. This experience made me realize that life and business seem to revolve around power and the struggle to achieve it often leads to a shady and competitive game.
However, as I grew older, I asked myself: is this the only way? Is there a better way to approach power and leadership?; Is there a path to leadership that does not involve trampling on others or guarding power as a prized possession? Is it possible to find a balance that empowers ourselves and those around us? These questions have accompanied me throughout my life, and the answers are in a concept that I found on my personal journey: Shakti.
Shakti is the infinite source of power that exists within all of us. It is not a finite resource to strive for, but rather an abundant spring that we can access and share. It is the possibility of creating realities in which power is not about domination, but about collaboration, where leadership does not imply control, but empowerment. It teaches us that true power is the ability to drive positive change for everyone.
The transition from “power over” to “power with” is the first step in finding balance in leadership. Instead of seeking to dominate others (power over), the aspiration is to negotiate win-win situations (power with). It is understanding that power is not a zero-sum game; It is a collaborative effort to achieve common goals. Thus, by harnessing the collective power of people, we can achieve more and create a harmonious work environment and society. This is how we move from “power with” to “power to”, above all the power to change things and make them work for everyone.
To understand Shakti it is essential to recognize its feminine aspect and its relevance in today's leadership. In the tradition of my country, it is considered the source of creation and life. It embodies qualities such as creativity, nurturing, compassion and inclusivity. These qualities are not exclusive to women, but are available to all genders.
To restore balance, we must appreciate and reward values and behaviors that reflect that feminine energy in our workplaces and in society. It is not a simple process, but I share with you some practical suggestions to begin to recover that balance and connect with that source of energy that is living Shakti:
- Embrace the win-win paradigm: Understand that the only real victory is a shared victory. Foster collaborative solutions that benefit all parties involved.
- Self-awareness: Be aware of how your actions affect others. Work on self-examination and adapt your leadership style to be more inclusive, respectful, and compassionate.
- Balances masculine and feminine qualities: Healthy masculinity includes qualities such as strength, courage, and confidence. Combine these with those of healthy femininity, such as compassion, empathy and inclusion, to create a well-rounded leadership approach. Learning to value and reward the values and behaviors associated with femininity is essential.
- Practice equitable relationships: Promote diversity and inclusion in your interactions by being open-minded and actively listening.
- Assess power dynamics: Ask yourself in your everyday conversations: How am I using my power right now? Am I trying to control the other person with what I say and do? Am I really making a “power with”? Am I exchanging power in a positive way?
- Seek Collective Success: Understand that true self-interest lies in the success of all. When everyone prospers, it benefits you too. Prioritize the common good.
Shakti offers us a deep perspective on leadership and power. It guides us from a world of competition and domination to one of collaboration and empowerment. By embracing those principles and restoring the value of the feminine, we can create a more balanced and harmonious society where leadership is about empowering others and promoting positive change.
So why limit your leadership to only half your power when you can harness the transformative and integrative energy of Shakti to empower yourself and those around you?
Originally published in El Financiero.