Understanding The Effects of Power At Work With Nik Kinley

Dec 3

We often think of "power" in the workplace as something reserved for the CEO or the boardroom, but the truth is, power dynamics are at play in almost every interaction we have. Whether you are managing a team of ten, leading a project, or just trying to influence a decision, power is shaping how you think, feel, and act, often without you even realizing it.

In this episode of The Glass Sessions, we are joined by Nik Kinley, a London-based leadership consultant and psychologist with a fascinating background. With over 35 years of experience, Nik has worked with everyone from CEOs and royalty to criminals in his time as a forensic psychotherapist. He joined us to discuss his latest book, The Power Trap: How Leadership Changes People and What to Do About It, and to break down the science of how authority physically and psychologically rewires our brains.

We explore why even the most well-intentioned leaders can fall into the "power trap," the six psychological shifts that happen when we gain authority, and practical ways to stay grounded as you climb the ladder.

The Six Ways Power Changes People

Nik breaks down the specific psychological and behavioral shifts that occur when our brains process authority. Recognizing these is the first step to managing them:

It Impels Us (The Action Bias): Power activates the brain’s "Behavioral Approach System," making us more optimistic, goal-oriented, and biased toward action. While this helps leaders get things done, it can also make them impulsive.
It Focuses & Simplifies Judgment: As we gain power, we tend to rely more on "rules of thumb" and intuition rather than detailed data. We become more decisive but less likely to notice nuances or risks.
It Insulates & Isolates: Power creates a physical and psychological buffer. Leaders often stop hearing the unvarnished truth because people are afraid to speak up, leading to a dangerous "clarity gap".
It Reduces Empathy: Research shows that powerful people literally have less brain activity when observing others in pain. This isn't malice; it’s a biological efficiency that makes it harder to read social cues or understand how a decision "lands" with the team.
It Reveals & Amplifies: Power acts as a volume knob for your personality. If you are naturally anxious, power makes you more anxious. If you are kind, it gives you the platform to be kinder. It doesn't just corrupt; it reveals.
It Sensitizes Us: Paradoxically, having power makes us more sensitive to threats against it. Leaders can become hyper-vigilant about their status, often reacting defensively to criticism or perceived slights.

Actionable Tips & Takeaways

Mind the Gap (The Distance Trap)

Bridge the divide: Actively work to reduce the physical and psychological distance between you and your team. This might mean skipping the "leaders only" dinner or deliberately asking, "What am I not hearing?" in meetings to break through the insulation.
Operationalize empathy: Because power naturally dampens empathy, you have to schedule it. Dedicate time in 1:1s to ask "How are you feeling about this?" rather than just "What is the status of this?".

Check Your Signal Amplification

You are a loudspeaker: When you have power, your whispers become shouts. A casual comment about a project can send a team into a panic, or a bad mood can ruin the office vibe. Be hyper-aware of the emotional wake you leave behind.

Combat the "Authorship" Trap

Accountability > Authorship: Nik suggests shifting your mindset from "I need to come up with the answer" (Authorship) to "I am responsible for the outcome" (Accountability). This relieves the pressure to know it all and encourages you to rely on your team’s expertise.

Tips for Managers

Invite "Healthy Dissent"

Silence is a warning sign: If no one is disagreeing with you, it’s not because you’re right—it’s because you’re powerful. Create specific channels (like "red teams" or anonymous feedback loops) where challenging your ideas is rewarded, not punished.

Stay Grounded During Rapid Growth

Don't believe your own hype: Success often leads to overconfidence. Keep a circle of "truth-tellers" outside of your direct reporting line - mentors, friends, or family - who will keep your ego in check and remind you who you are outside of your title.

Power isn't inherently bad - it’s a tool that helps us achieve great things. But it is also a force that changes us. By understanding the neuroscience behind these changes and building habits to counteract the "drift" toward isolation, you can lead with both strength and humanity.