Personal Power: The Influence You Carry Beyond Your Title
A good friend once told me I worried too much about position power at work.
In corporate America, position power demands our attention. We respect it. We aspire to it. We learn to navigate it. Titles influence who makes decisions, who gets heard, and how work moves forward.
But this wise friend reminded me of something I have never forgotten:
“Stephanie, don’t forget you have personal power.”
She was reminding me of the relationships and credibility I had built beyond my company—people who valued my perspective, respected my judgment, and trusted me enough to follow my lead. That influence wasn’t tied to an organizational chart. It came from how I showed up, what I contributed, and the relationships I nurtured over time.
A title can give you authority. Personal power grows as you earn people’s trust.
The same is true inside your workplace. Getting things done requires strong, reciprocal relationships. People need to know they can count on you, that you respect their contributions, and that you will support their success as thoughtfully as you pursue your own.
As you ascend the leadership ladder, pay attention to the energy you invest in those relationships. Do you reach out only when you need something? Do you listen without an immediate task in mind? Do you share credit and create opportunities for others?
Our accomplishments are rarely ours alone. They reflect the partners who offer insight, challenge our thinking, open doors, and help us deliver.
This is also where Hospitality Intelligence comes into play. Inviting a colleague to lunch, making a thoughtful introduction, or creating space for an honest conversation can deepen a connection. These everyday gestures help people feel seen and valued—and give trust room to grow.
Carla Harris offers valuable perspective on relationships and influence in her United Way 2015 keynote. Nothing has changed:
Watch Carla Harris discuss three of her Pearls
A personal power practice
Pause and list the partners who help you succeed. Then identify one thoughtful way to deepen each relationship: express appreciation, offer support, reconnect over a meal, or simply make time to listen.
Your position may change throughout your career. The trust you build can travel with you.
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