How to Navigate Power Dynamics in Senior Leadership Meetings (Without Losing Yourself)
Welcome to Rethink & ReAlign
Thanks for being here. I appreciate every reply, every read, and every story you’ve shared with me.
If last week’s post on presence resonated, this week, we’re diving deeper—into the rooms where power lives, and sometimes, gets in the way.
Power Dynamics in the Senior Room
Let’s talk about those meetings—the executive Zooms, the leadership offsites, the rooms where big decisions are made… and where the power dynamics are rarely named but always felt.
If you’ve ever walked out thinking:
“Why didn’t I speak up?”
or
“Did I even belong there?”
—know this: you’re not alone.
Confidence, clarity, and contribution don’t come from job titles. They come from how we manage power—in real time, under pressure, and without losing ourselves.
Here’s how to hold your ground when the room feels bigger than you.
1. Recognize Power Plays—Without Getting Hooked
Power isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s quiet:
Who speaks first (and longest)
Who interrupts, who gets interrupted
Whose ideas land—and whose get repackaged
When you notice these things, don’t internalize them. Observe with curiosity.
Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with me?” ask, “What’s happening here?”
2. Lead with Presence, Not Performance
Senior leaders spot forced confidence a mile away. What they respect is presence—grounded clarity that doesn’t need to posture.
Before high-stakes meetings, I do two things:
Power pose for 2 minutes (yes, Amy Cuddy was right)
Set one clear intention: “I’m here to serve the strategy, not prove my worth.”
Presence isn’t volume. It’s being rooted.
3. Say the Thing—Even If Your Voice Shakes
In senior rooms, the most powerful voice is often the one that names what others won’t—asks the hard question or offers the different lens.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be honest.
Instead of: “Sorry, just to add one thing…”
Try: “Here’s something I think we’re not looking at yet.”
4. Speak in Strategic Language
Executives don’t just want ideas. They want relevance. Anchor your point to the bigger picture:
Business impact: “This affects our Q3 targets…”
Team alignment: “This connects to our Q1 commitments…”
Customer value: “This touches the X client experience…”
You’ll be heard differently when you speak the language of priorities.
A Real Coaching Moment
Last week, I was coaching a leader prepping for a high-stakes meeting. They missed a pattern I couldn’t ignore.
I could’ve held back. But I stayed grounded, framed my point around risk, and offered a strategic lens.
I didn’t over-explain.
And I walked away not just respected—but proud of how I showed up.
That’s the real win.
A Question for You
Where do power dynamics trip you up?
In a room full of execs?
When you’re sharing a risky idea?
When someone dominates airtime?
Hit reply or comment—I’d love to hear your story and explore it in a future issue.
Quick Recap: 4 Tools to Lead the Room
Observe patterns, don’t personalize them
Center your body before the meeting
Speak up—even if your voice shakes
Use strategic language that anchors your point
Senior rooms aren’t about proving you belong.
They’re about showing up like you already know it.
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If this message resonates with you, visit www.passion-wheel.com to book your free discovery call on how to navigate power dynamics in senior meetings.
You'll be glad you experienced the difference human coaching can make.
Until next time — stay curious, stay aligned.
— The ReThink & ReAlign Team