The Power You Build: Volume vs. Value

I’ve been thinking a lot this week about the kind of power we rely on to move things forward, especially as I’ve been working with a private prep school to develop both their brand and a new strategic plan. It’s a community rooted in tradition and relationships, with a deep sense of purpose and ambition for growth. And as we’ve begun mapping the path ahead—drawing in voices from across the school—one thing has become clear:

The way we build alignment matters just as much as what we’re aligning around.

Whether you're rolling out a new brand, launching a fundraising campaign, aligning internal partners, or just trying to keep a strategy on the rails, it’s tempting to lean on urgency, hierarchy, or process. I’ve done it. I’ve seen it done. And sometimes, yes—it works. But often not for long.

The kind of power that sustains momentum usually comes from somewhere else entirely.

💡 Not All Power Works the Same Way

Here’s a distinction I keep coming back to:

Power from force​
– Tells people what to do
– Pushes things across the finish line
– Relies on urgency and authority

Power from righteousness​
– Shows people why it matters
– Brings people along for the long haul
– Earns trust through clarity and conviction

Force gets results but often at a cost. When teams or partners feel rushed, boxed in, or sidelined, the energy fades and the trust erodes.

By contrast, when your power comes from a clear purpose, a grounded strategy, and shared values—it moves people. It scales. It endures.

👉 If you missed it, my recent issue on clarity digs deeper into into how simplicity and alignment can be a leader’s most effective tools.

How to Build Power That Lasts

If you want to lead with righteousness (and value) rather than force (and volume), here are a few small shifts that can make a big difference:

• Clarify the “why” early and often. Don’t assume everyone sees what you see. Whether it's a new brand, plan, or campaign, anchor people in purpose before process. That gives them a reason to care.
• Involve, don’t just inform. Invite others into the shaping of the work—not just the rollout. Even a little co-creation builds shared ownership and trust.
• Choose language that unites. Use words that signal partnership, not hierarchy. Swap “compliance” for “alignment.” Trade “rollout” for “collaboration.” These shifts affect how people decide to show up.
• Make feedback loops visible. When someone’s input shapes a direction or improves a deliverable, name it. People invest more when they feel seen and respected.

None of this takes more time. It just takes a shift in intent.

Because righteous power doesn’t push—it pulls. And the more you use it, the stronger it gets.

What I'm Paying Attention To

📚 “The 7 Commitments of a Great Team” by Jon Gordon​
Quick, practical, and energizing. This bestselling leadership author's latest book is great reminder of what makes a team truly work—especially if you’re managing cross-functional or campaign-based collaborations.

⚠️ “A Full House of Direct Reports” – Korn Ferry​
This recent piece highlights how overloaded leaders are managing more direct reports than ever—and what that means for communication, clarity, and trust. It's a reminder that as power flattens or stretches, the way we lead becomes even more critical. Righteous power isn’t just about having a seat at the table but how you use your voice once you’re there. Read it here.

🧑‍💼 New Community for Alumni Relations Pros from Jennifer Cunningham​
Jennifer’s launching a grassroots space for alumni relations pros to swap ideas, crowdsource insights, and stay connected. It’s free from July through September, with monthly meetups, AMAs, and more. Still time to join as a founding member!

Final Thought

If your strategy only moves when you’re pushing hard, it might not be a bandwidth problem. It might be a power source problem.

That’s not a cue to push harder but to lead differently.

If you’re working through something that feels stuck—or just want to swap thoughts—I’m always up for a quick conversation or email exchange. And if this issue resonated, feel free to forward it to someone who might be feeling the same tension.

Here's to leading with value.

Make it matter.

Dan

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