Become a Podcast Insider
for subscriber only bonuses including an implementation checklist, discussion questions, water cooler factoids, and special subscriber-only offers.
Join us here: Podcast Insider
In the episode, Zoë Routh engages with Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau to explore the multifaceted concept of power. They discuss ethical ways to gain power, the role of technology in enhancing democratic processes, and introduce the framework of Smart Power, which encompasses systemic thinking, merging resources, and authentic personal power.
The conversation provides insights into leadership challenges and the importance of adapting to a volatile world.
Planet Human
Summary
Zoë shares personal updates:
Insights on the ethical use of power and its implications for leadership.
Reflections on digital democratic innovations and their potential to enhance online debates.
Upcoming projects, including her book "Power Games" and associated resources.
Thoughts on how technology can facilitate better communication and understanding in the political sphere.
Thought-Provoking Questions for Leaders, focusing on:
What would you do with more power?
What does a powerful person look like?
What does a powerless person look like?
How might we share power effectively?
What might happen if we had more power as a group?
Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau reflects on:
Old Power vs. New Power: Sylvia discusses the limitations of old power, defined as "force and control," and contrasts it with new power that emphasizes collaboration and transparency.
Smart Power Framework: She introduces Smart Power as a concept that incorporates systemic thinking, merging resources, and authentic personal power to navigate complex environments.
The Importance of Systems Thinking: Sylvia emphasizes that understanding systems is crucial in today’s world, warning against simplistic solutions to complex problems.
Merging Resources: She advocates for pooling information and resources to enhance collective success, highlighting the drawbacks of siloed thinking in organizations.
Cultural Conditioning: Sylvia explores how traditional corporate cultures often discourage sharing information, leading to a reluctance to collaborate across departments.
Key Quotes
"Smart Power is about understanding systems and merging resources." - Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau
"Perspective is power." - Zoë Routh
"If we do not use a certain degree of systems thinking, we don't understand anything." - Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau
Questions Explored
What would you do with more power?
What does a powerful person look like?
What does a powerless person look like?
How might we share power?
What might happen if we had more power as a group?
Take Action
Reflect on your relationship with power by asking yourself the four key questions discussed in the episode.
Explore ways to ethically share power within your organisation or community to enhance collaboration and effectiveness
Tip of the Week
Consider adopting a mindset of Smart Power, focusing on systemic thinking and collaboration rather than control, to navigate complex leadership challenges effectively.
Key Moments
00:00 Introduction: The Power Question
00:18 Exploring Digital Democratic Innovations
01:36 Challenges and Solutions in Online Deliberation
02:35 The Role of Blockchain in Transparent Debates
03:57 Changing Our Relationship with Power
04:33 Four Key Questions About Power
07:25 Introducing Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau
12:47 Old Power vs. New Power
14:19 The Concept of Smart Power
15:31 Systemic Thinking and Merging Power
22:03 Authentic Personal Power
33:39 Exploring Smart Power in Leadership
49:15 Fast Three: Quick Insights and Recommendations
About Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau
Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau is an accredited senior executive coach (EMCC) and mediator (CEDR) with over 20 years of coaching experience and 25+ years as a leader and change maker in international institutions, finance, and business. She created the SMART©power method and authored Who's in Charge, a book that helps leaders enhance energy, leverage power, and achieve success with fulfillment, building a meaningful legacy. Sylvia’s mission is to equip leaders for today’s fast-paced, complex world.
Beyond her corporate work, Sylvia is an artist and dancer with expertise in painting, modern dance, martial arts, acting, and singing. Trained in body and energy work, she integrates emotional and body intelligence into her coaching, offering a unique approach to leadership development.
SMART@power is a further development and crystallization of the central pillar of my book Who’s in Charge?
The three pillars are energy, power and legacy. In the short time we have before our conversation tomorrow you won’t have the time to get and dig into the book, but you can check it out here on Amazon:
Who's in Charge? Lead with Real Power & Create an Impact in a Chaotic World
Related episodes on Future Trends
327 Creating a leadership legacy with Retired Lieutenant Colonel Oakland McCulloch
323 ChatGPT and the future of leadership with author Donna McGeorge
317 Decoding Decision Science: Dr Constance Dierickx on the Psychology of Leadership Decisions
Never miss an episode. Get the BONUS SECRET RECORDING from People Stuff and
all the latest episodes delivered weekly when you subscribe.
About Zoë Routh
Zoë Routh is a leadership futurist, podcaster, and multiple award-winning author. She works with leaders and teams to navigate future horizons.
She has worked with individuals and teams internationally and in Australia since 1987. From wild Canadian rivers to the Australian Outback, and the Boardroom jungles, Zoë is an adventurist! She facilitates strategy and culture sessions with audacious teams.
Zoë's fourth leadership book, People Stuff - Beyond Personality Problems: An advanced handbook for leadership, won the Book of the Year at the Australian Business Book Awards in 2020. Her fifth book is a near future science fiction dystopian novel, The Olympus Project.
Zoë is the producer of the The Future of Leadership Podcast dedicated to asking “What if…?” and sharing Big Ideas on the Future of Leadership.
Zoë is an outdoor adventurist and enjoys telemark skiing, has run six marathons, is a one-time belly-dancer, has survived cancer, and loves hiking in the high country. She is married to a gorgeous Aussie and is a self-confessed dark chocolate addict.