551: How to Use Power Responsibly, with Vanessa Bohns

Oct 18, 2021

Vanessa Bohns, a social psychologist and professor at Cornell University, shares her insights on the underestimated power of persuasion. She discusses how leaders often overlook their influence and the potential consequences of their actions. By adopting a third-party perspective, individuals can better understand their impact on others. Bohns also emphasizes the importance of meaningful connections in alleviating loneliness, particularly in professional settings, and offers strategies for fostering genuine conversations.

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INSIGHT

Power Blindness

People in power often underestimate their influence, especially on those with less power.
This blindness to impact is amplified by psychological effects of power.

INSIGHT

Perspective and Freedom

Power dynamics make those in power less likely to consider others' perspectives.
They feel freer to act on their desires, assuming others have the same freedom.

ANECDOTE

Strip Basketball

A Rutgers basketball coach implemented "strip basketball," where missed free throws resulted in removing clothing.
One player ended up naked, leading to a lawsuit for harassment.

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Vanessa Bohns: You Have More Influence Than You Think

Vanessa Bohns is a social psychologist, an award-winning researcher and teacher, and a professor of organizational behavior at Cornell University.

Her writing and research has been published in top academic journals in psychology, management, and law and has also been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, and NPR’s Hidden Brain. Her book is titled You Have More Influence Than You Think: How We Underestimate Our Power of Persuasion, and Why It Matters*.

In this conversation, Vanessa and I explore the conclusions of research: we often don’t recognize our own power. We detail some of the common patterns that leaders should watch for in their work. Most importantly, we discuss the practical steps that almost anybody can take to use power more responsibly.

Key Points

Power can lead people to underestimate their words and actions. A powerful person’s whisper can sound more like a shout to the person they have power over.
Power tends to lead people to ignore the perspective of others and to feel freer to do whatever they want.
The effects of power are not inevitable. You can do better for others by thinking about power as responsibility.
Adopt the lens of a third party in order to see the impact of your actions on others.
To feel your impact better, ask people what they aren thinking of feeling, rather than simply imagining or assuming.
One way to experience your influence by taking action to give positive recognition and feedback.

Resources Mentioned

You Have More Influence Than You Think: How We Underestimate Our Power of Persuasion, and Why It Matters* by Vanessa Bohns

Interview Notes

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Related Episodes

Use Power for Good and Not Evil, with Dacher Keltner (episode 254)
How to Create Meaningful Gatherings, with Priya Parker (episode 395)
How to Negotiate When Others Have Power, with Kwame Christian (episode 416)

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