The Four Powers – Keys to Potent Leadership
The Foundations of Personal Power
An important foundation for our work is our recognition that all people are born with four essential capacities. We call them the power of intellect, the power of passion, the power of emotion and the power of spirit – or inspiration. We've found that it is the rare leader who adeptly uses all four capacities. Yet, increasing mastery of them is a vital support for the most effective leadership.
For a more complete description of the four powers, see our book, Four Portals to Power. It provides an array of practical tools and maps for enhancing your true personal power. Read more...
"Will help you master those aspects of your personality that hold you back!"
– Marshall Goldsmith, NYT best-selling author
The Four Powers Pyramid™
We believe that the four powers exist in a hierarchy as shown in the adjacent Four Powers Pyramid™. The most successful leaders operate primarily at the higher Pyramid levels.
First Level of Leadership – The Intellect's Ceiling on Performance
Many leaders function at the bottom level of the Pyramid. In other words, although they have sharply honed their intellectual abilities through education and business experience, they have neglected to fully develop the other aspects of themselves. They may lack passion and vitality or their emotions may emerge in ways that disappoint and confuse others. Leaders at this level often encounter frustrating obstacles to their greater success.
The Four Powers Pyramid™
We believe that the four powers exist in a hierarchy as shown in the below Four Powers Pyramid™. The most successful leaders operate primarily at the higher Pyramid levels.
First Level of Leadership – The Intellect's Ceiling on Performance
Many leaders function at the bottom level of the Pyramid. In other words, although they have sharply honed their intellectual abilities through education and business experience, they have neglected to fully develop the other aspects of themselves. They may lack passion and vitality or their emotions may emerge in ways that disappoint and confuse others. Leaders at this level often encounter frustrating obstacles to their greater success.
Second Level of Leadership – Emotional Mastery and Unblocked Passion
Leaders who have more developed themselves operate at the middle level of the Four Powers Pyramid™. At this level, leaders are adept at quickly identifying their negative states and then moving into more positive ones before their success is undermined. Maps, such as the adjacent oneone below, help propel this type of self-mastery.
Leaders at this level are also astute in identifying and managing negative emotions as they arise in others. Overall, because these leaders have freed themselves from many internal blockages, they can more easily and naturally exude energy and passion.
Much of our work is focused on supporting clients in achieving this level of development.
The Five Gifts Roadmap™ - one of the tools we use to support transformation (click to enlarge)
Third Level of Leadership – Inspiration and Deep Commitment
Leaders desiring to grow further can expand into the top of the Four Powers Pyramid™. At this level of true inspiration, the leader has developed the ability to be both inspired and inspiring. Such a leader brings in spirit which, in this sense, is simply the unifying force among people.
Inspirational leaders recognize people's natural desires to be part of something greater beyond their separate selves. By authentically providing others this experience, they can dramatically heighten their success – and the success of their organizations.
The Four Powers system provides precise guidance for entering this realm of inspired living and leading.
"I have found Dean to be an excellent resource in helping me develop my skills as an executive. I would highly recommend him as a coach to anyone wanting to improve their personal performance."
– Dan Berg, former Chief Technology Officer, Skype