Abstract
On the theme of personal development, this conceptual article aims to provoke thought about power and influence in leadership by means of a short excursion into character depictions in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings (1966). It is said of mythopoeic literature, the genre of Tolkien's work, that the very simplicity of the lens “pares away distractions,” “opens the way to unexpected connections, … [and] draws attention to alternative modes of being and thinking” (Greene, 1994, p. 457). Taking the liberty of perceived applicability of Tolkien's literary genius to motifs on leadership, this article provokes thinking on what constitutes “real” power and influence in leadership. It is contended that demonstrating real power and influence in leadership lies not in coercive tactics of wielding power over others but in withholding usurping power to work with and enable others to achieve worthwhile ends. Three suggested markers of enabling or real power and influence in leadership are explored. Each one contains an element of paradox. The proposed markers suggest, in turn, that enabling or real power and influence does not usurp but serves, that it sublimates self‐interest for the interests of others and the intended goal, and that it positions for growth for the self and others and fosters true engagement in leadership. The article offers some empirical evidence as to the efficacy of the proposed markers for effective leadership and suggests a further research strategy to test the proposed markers empirically.