Issue 274 — September 30, 2024

Love politics? Hate it? Whatever your POV is, in today’s chaotic political landscape, people are yearning for effective leaders.

I began this 3-part series last week with a look at the difference between Power Over and Power TO leadership styles. I called it “Hammering Power” to reflect the metaphor I use to explain that power is merely energy. Like a hammer, you can break something apart or build with it.

In sum, Power is what you do with it. What you make of it.

My thesis is that VP Harris’s superpower is her ability to use generative and creative Power TO. It’s not a weakness but a strength, especially for female leaders who are judged harshly, when they wield their power in the oppressive manner that men have more traditionally done and that her adversary in the race does. You can be tough and kind at the same time.

I’ve been more than a little obsessed with observing Harris. I came to see her as a top-notch practitioner of my Leadership Power Tools, though she probably hasn’t heard of them.

Her leadership reflects the principles of the Power Tools to shape her narrative, engage previously tepid voters, and drive meaningful change.

Let’s look at the first three of those tools, the ones I call the “Self-Definitional Power Tools.”

#1 Know Your History and You Can Create the Future of Your Choice

If you don’t know where you’ve come from, it’s hard to know with clarity where you want to go.

Harris’s journey is deeply rooted in her understanding of her heritage. As the daughter of immigrants — her mother from India and her father from Jamaica — she embraces her multicultural background. It’s foundational to her vision. Harris often highlights the struggles and triumphs of her ancestors, reminding us that history informs our present and future.

I think being biracial also has the benefit of enabling her to live and work comfortably across many cultures. She often shares personal stories that highlight her upbringing, which resonate with many Americans who share similar experiences.

Further, by acknowledging the civil rights movements that paved the way for her political career, she demonstrates how a leader can harness her historical narrative to inspire others. This understanding motivates her authentically to advocate for policies promoting equity, justice, and a future that reflects her values and the aspirations of the communities she represents.

#2 Define Your Own Terms First Before Someone Else Defines You

We’re all going to be defined. One of the central tenets of this Leadership Power Tool is that it is better to define ourselves than to let others, who might not have our best interests at heart, define us.

Harris has consistently taken the initiative to define her own identity and message. From her time as a prosecutor, to her role as a senator, and now as Vice President and Presidential candidate, she has strategically articulated her vision for justice, equality, and opportunity for all. Those are her core values and they are central to her ability to lead with integrity.

For example: as a prosecutor, rather than allowing opponents to label her as a soft-on-crime politician because of her approaches that often defied traditional methods, she framed her narrative around being smart and practical about seeking solutions instead of being cast as either “tough on crime” or “soft on crime.”

People look for leaders who know who they are and show who they are.

The plethora of spontaneously formed virtual and viral groups in support of her candidacy speaks to that appreciation of her authenticity, which is the basis of trust. Black women, white women, evangelicals, geeks, nerds, dudes, Jews, Republicans, and on and on. Anyone can find a place in this grassroots movement.

Illustration by Akshita Chandra / The Atlantic. Source: Getty.

By proactively shaping her own narrative, Harris resists stereotypes and biases, presenting a multifaceted identity that is uniquely hers.

#3 Use What You’ve Got — What You Need Is Always There If You Have the Wisdom to See It and the Courage to Use It

Throughout her career, Harris has adeptly utilized the tools and opportunities at her disposal, from her legal expertise to her public speaking skills and natural charisma.

Women — I totally relate to this — are often told we smile and laugh too much, or not enough. Harris embraces her joy in what she clearly believes is a noble fight with deep, full, infectious laughter, turning what could be a liability into one of her strongest assets. And as a woman herself, she is especially compelling in mobilizing support around the issues of women’s reproductive freedoms and access to care.

Image courtesy of Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post

Harris is known for her compelling communication style, marked by clarity, empathy, and charisma. Whether speaking at town halls, debates, or national events, she effectively conveys her message and engages her audience. Her ability to articulate complex issues in relatable terms helps her connect with a diverse range of constituents.

This skill is particularly evident in her ability to frame narratives around economic equity, women’s rights, and social justice. By using storytelling to illustrate the impact of policies on everyday lives, she invites listeners into the conversation, fostering a sense of shared purpose and motivating action.

Kamala Harris embodies the Self-Definitional Power Tools that enable leaders to shape their narratives and inspire others. By knowing her history, defining her terms, and using her particular strengths and assets, she navigates the complexities of leadership with conviction and grace.

I say this not to promote her, but to impress upon whoever is reading this that by embracing these principles, you too can become better leaders — shaping the future with intention and purpose.

That’s why I’m currently teaching the transformative 9 Leadership Power Tools in an online self-directed course. I invite you to join me, choosing either the entrepreneurship session or the version for women creating their careers inside of organizations. Register for either version here.

Next week, we’ll look at how Harris employs the other six Power Tools, including the counterintuitive ones that are my faves. Stay tuned!