The Powerless Leader Blog

George Engel George Engel

Is Authentic Leadership Dead?

With followers increasingly seeking validation over genuine authenticity, some wonder if authentic leadership has reached its end. Yet research continues to show authenticity is more crucial than ever. Discover why authentic leadership is still thriving and how leaders can adapt effectively.

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George Engel George Engel

You do not need a title to lead.
True leadership begins with influence—and influence begins with attitude. In this post, discover how choosing positivity and consistency can elevate your leadership presence, attract high-level leaders, and grow your impact, no matter your position.

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George Engel George Engel

The Rule of 5: Five Daily Habits Powerless Leaders Must Establish

Leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about influence. If you feel powerless in your role, the key to making an impact lies in consistent daily habits. John Maxwell’s Rule of 5 highlights five essential actions that, when practiced daily, can help you build trust, gain influence, and lead effectively—regardless of your position. In this post, discover the five daily habits that can transform your leadership and set you apart. Read more to learn how small, intentional actions can create big leadership wins!

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George Engel George Engel

The Mentor’s Dilemma: Guiding Gen Z and Embracing Reverse Mentorship

Mentorship is evolving as Generation Z enters the workforce with distinct expectations. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z thrives on instant communication, purpose-driven work, and self-directed learning. While they crave mentorship, they often resist traditional authority and prefer practical, real-time insights over hierarchical guidance. This presents a Mentor’s Dilemma—how can leaders provide valuable feedback without discouraging motivation?

Successful mentorship today requires adaptability, open communication, and a two-way learning approach. Reverse mentorship—where younger employees share their expertise with senior colleagues—can help bridge the generational gap, foster innovation, and enhance engagement. By embracing mutual learning, organizations can create a more dynamic and inclusive workplace where every generation thrives.

🔗 Read the full post to learn how to navigate the changing landscape of mentorship.

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George Engel George Engel

The Power of Mentorship: Building Stronger Teams and Leaders Among Gen Z

Mentorship is more than just guidance; it is the foundation for growth, confidence, and leadership. My own journey was shaped by a mentor who saw potential in me, challenged me, and helped me develop into the leader I am today. For Gen Z professionals, mentorship is the key to building strong teams, developing leadership skills, and fostering collaboration across generations. Whether you are seeking a mentor or looking to become one, investing in mentorship today will shape the future of leadership. Read on to discover how mentorship can transform careers and workplaces alike.

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George Engel George Engel

Striking the Balance: How Leaders Can Empower Gen Z Teams

Leading Gen Z requires more than just setting expectations—it’s about balancing high standards with strong support. Leaders often fall into one of four categories:

🔴 Disengaged Leaders provide neither structure nor encouragement, leaving teams uninspired.
🟡 Nurturing Leaders offer high support but set low standards, unintentionally limiting growth.
🔵 Authoritarian Leaders enforce strict standards with little support, leading to burnout.
🟢 Mentor Leaders strike the perfect balance—challenging their teams while equipping them for success.

Gen Z thrives when they feel both challenged and supported. Are you leading in a way that empowers them to grow?

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George Engel George Engel

Amplify Your Voice: How Young Professionals Can Build Influence and Be Heard.

In today’s fast-paced workplaces, leadership is no longer defined by titles—it’s defined by influence. As John Maxwell said, 'Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less.' For young professionals, especially those from Generation Z, gaining recognition and making an impact starts with building relationships, mastering communication, and taking initiative. By focusing on influence instead of authority, you can amplify your voice and ensure your ideas are heard, no matter your position. Ready to make your mark? Start by reflecting on how you can add value and take the first step toward authentic leadership.

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George Engel George Engel

The Powerless Leader: Leading Without Authority

Leadership isn’t about titles, authority, or corner offices—it’s about influence. The Powerless Leader explores how you can inspire, motivate, and drive change even when you lack decision-making power. Whether you’re navigating a rigid corporate structure or leading a volunteer team, discover how to make an impact right where you are. Learn why leadership isn’t defined by authority, but by service, relationships, and the ability to create solutions where others see obstacles.

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George Engel George Engel

Setting Growth Goals That Stick – Your Guide to Thriving in 2025

I am guilty.  Yep, the only way to describe it would be to use the word guilty.  I fell into the “New Year's Resolution” trap for many years.  I would make resolutions to lose weight, learn another language, and step up my BBQ game.  Yet January ended with the resolutions.  Resolutions don’t work.  New habits and goals that stick do.

Creating goals that stick isn’t just about writing them down— it’s about crafting a clear plan, staying motivated, and making consistent progress. I want to offer five steps to set growth goals that genuinely last, inspired by practical strategies.

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George Engel George Engel

Creating an Organizational Legacy That Lasts Beyond You

Building an organizational legacy isn’t about personal accolades—it’s about creating a foundation that endures. By empowering people, clarifying purpose, and fostering adaptability, leaders can ensure their impact thrives far beyond their time at the helm. Discover how to build something truly lasting.

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Vision, Leadership George Engel Vision, Leadership George Engel

Lead with Vision: How a Clear Direction Shapes Your Life and Legacy

Lead with Vision: Build a Legacy That Lasts

Have you ever felt like you're just going through the motions without a clear sense of direction? It’s something we all face from time to time. A powerful vision is what changes that—it’s the difference between feeling stuck and feeling inspired.

In leadership, a compelling vision is what unites people, motivates teams, and brings real purpose to the work we do. For us personally, vision serves as an internal compass, helping us navigate through the busyness and focus on what truly matters.

In our latest blog post, we explore the power of vision—how it shapes not only our professional lives but also enriches our personal journeys. We discuss how a vision gives us purpose, connects us to something greater, and creates a lasting impact.

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George Engel George Engel

The Art of Listening in Leadership: Key to Transformational Success

Imagine stepping into a room buzzing with passionate voices, each striving to be heard. In the midst of this energy, one person stands out—not by speaking louder but through a powerful, attentive silence. This person is a transformational leader who understands that true leadership is not only about directing or speaking but in listening—truly listening—to the chorus of voices around them.

In this blog post, we dive deep into "The Art of Listening" and its transformative role in leadership. Discover how listening can redefine your leadership effectiveness, foster team collaboration, and shape a vibrant organizational culture where every voice matters. From building trust and respect to creating a listening culture, we’ll explore how this simple yet profound skill can be your most powerful asset on your leadership journey.

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George Engel George Engel

The Battle Within Heart vs. Head in Unleashing Your Vision and Passion.

Where is fancy bred, in the heart or in the head?” Willy Wonka's iconic question invites us to ponder the origins of our vision and passion—a vital inquiry for anyone seeking clarity on what truly drives them. Reflecting on my own journey, I've discovered that vision is not just about seeing the future; it's about feeling it. For leaders and individuals alike, sustainable vision and passion stem from a balance between heart and mind. Join me as we explore this delicate balance, drawing on lessons of personal growth and insights from thought leaders like Mark Cole, to guide us toward a purpose-driven life.

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George Engel George Engel

The Authentic Leadership Legacy: Learning from a Simple Handshake

In a world that often emphasizes quick wins, true leadership is rooted in the legacy of trust and consistency. Inspired by a heartfelt memory of his grandfather, this reflection explores the essence of authentic leadership. It’s about more than words—it’s the power of aligning actions with promises. Explore how meaningful leadership is built through trust, and challenge yourself to become the leader you'd choose to follow.

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