Responsibility is not the same as power

You don’t need a title to be a leader.

Often, ambitious professionals make the mistake of thinking that leadership is some summit to reach. Becoming a director or partner is the “I’ve reached the top” moment for this group. The end of the journey. But that’s far from the case.

Here’s the thing. It doesn’t matter what title you have. The reality is that responsibility (a title) means very little if you don’t have power.

Walk with me.

In this context, responsibility refers to the obligations and duties assigned to an individual or team. It involves accountability for completing specific tasks, achieving set goals, and adhering to performance standards. It is more about what you are expected to accomplish and the quality of outcomes you deliver. It is a sense of duty and ownership where individuals are expected to take initiative and demonstrate commitment, regardless of their position within the hierarchy.

Power, on the other hand, is the ability to influence decisions, allocate resources, and direct the actions of others. Power stems from one's influence, expertise, or authority within the organisation. It enables individuals to effect change and guide the behaviour of others.

While responsibility is more action-oriented and task-focused, power is about control and decision-making capability.

Understanding the difference between responsibility and power is crucial for effective leadership.

A manager who is responsible for their team's performance but lacks power may struggle to implement necessary changes. Conversely, a leader with power without a sense of responsibility may misuse authority, leading to ineffective or unethical outcomes.

In my book, The BRAVE Leader. Better decisions for inclusive leadership, I provide this simple example to help people understand the difference between responsibility and power:

“If there is a fire drill or indeed a real fire in a building, at that moment, the warden is the person best qualified to make sure that people follow instructions to exit the building as safely as possible. They have the uniform, the equipment and the authority to ensure things get done.

Regardless of your stature or role in a company, a fire warden can call to an end any work process to get you out of the building and safe. They have influence - we respect the fire warden. They have power - making the difference between being safe or not. And they have authority - by virtue of being assigned the role of fire warden.”

It is essential to understand the difference between the two and recognise how interconnected they are when it comes to occupying a position of leadership. The relationship between power and responsibility is something that leaders and aspiring leaders must be aware of and be intentional about developing within themselves. If you want people to take that role you covet so dearly seriously, do the work to give it the purpose and agency it deserves.

If you want to explore this concept deeper or need support developing the necessary skills, get in touch with my team today.