Stepping Into Your Power Applies to Men Too

I was on-site at a client company today and had a couple of interesting interactions in the lobby on my way out.

Both referenced previous conversations and the resulting shifts that had occurred.

Both related to “Stepping into your power.”

One was with a former client. He had called a few months back asking for my perspective on a situation causing him imbalance. He felt it but couldn't name it. In my view, he was giving away his power to someone who didn’t directly manage him but wanted to unofficially mentor him.

Authority none-theless. It would be more powerful and self-honoring if he spoke up to make sure the goals aligned. I challenged him to do exactly that.

He did. And handled it beautifully.

Today, we simply chuckled about it.

Done.

In the same lobby were two employees who had been working under a particularly toxic manager.

The backstory. A month ago, while exchanging texts with the executive overseeing this particular situation, I was so surprised. It had been going on for so long, with numerous second chances (I guess that means they were 3rd and 4th chances? 😉), and no change (or attempt to change) on the part of the employee. I texted: He still works for you??

Shortly after that exchange, without another word, he too stepped into his power.

Situation resolved. Toxicity removed.

Today, I saw the consequences. Two employees, who were visibly relieved, relaxed, and happy. Their energy was fresh. He made the right decision.

Amazing. Two men who, once they realized they were giving away their power, stepped in and rectified their respective situations almost immediately.

It reminded me that stepping into your power is not about dominance. It is not about aggression. It is not about ego.

It is about clarity.
It is about awareness.
It is about self-respect.
It is about doing the right thing for all involved.
And it takes courage.

While this phrase is often associated with women—and yes, I do a lot of work in that space, and use the phrase in that context--to be clear:

“Stepping into your power” applies to men too.

A former client leader recently challenged me to think differently about the men on her team--she sparked a shift in my thinking using the term, today's man. She was right. There are plenty of men in this category.

The man who is working toward being more emotionally intelligent.
The man who is intentionally looking to be more self-aware.
The man who is willing to be vulnerable.
The man who does not want to cause problems (a.k.a. conflict), and as a result doesn't speak up.

This is not weakness. It is evolution. And it is a very good thing.

I call this a pendulum swing.

A bit of an overcorrection from what was (still progress though!).

The sweet spot is in finding balance. Stepping into (or standing in!) your power, no matter who you are.