I gave this class recently on how to become more balanced (if you are strong power, or strong attractive) as a leadership style. Someone asked a great question: “How do you deal with strong power people?”

So some lessons learned in this space:

1. Strong power people tend to have a trigger: being wrong. They really don’t like it. They really hate being wrong in public. So when I am working with someone who is likely wrong, I tend to speak to them privately about the issue. I am a big believer in “sidebars” with strong power people. And I don’t repeat the conversation. This is usually how it goes:
   • “Hi..do you have a minute? I just wanted to share something that’s been on my mind since today’s meeting…..”
   • I make my case
   • I am in and out fast with “Well, thanks for your time. I just wanted to make sure you had all the information. Let me know if there’s anything you’d like me to do.”
2. Strong power people tend to like facts and data. If you’re going to make an argument, make sure it’s logical and based on facts and strong critical thinking, not gut or emotion.
3. Strong power people do better with face to face interactions. Just because they aren’t strong attractive leaders doesn’t mean they don’t respond to heartfelt conviction that comes with positive intent.