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Are you looking for tips on how to be a good leader? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Tyson interviews Nik Kinley, a psychologist and leadership expert, about the “power trap” and identifying early warning signs. They also discuss the challenges professionals face when moving into leadership roles.

Nik shares the idea of the power trap and identifying signs within people. The power trap is the idea that power changes anyone who has some. When someone has control over something or influence over someone, it is easy to get lost and become someone who asserts dominance in a negative way. Determining a power trap within someone can include people with insecurities, those who are afraid of losing power and those with narcissistic tendencies.

When new leaders emerge, there are some psychological shifts that happen when a lawyer goes from working solo to working with a team to owning a law firm. There is an increase in responsibility which can be exciting or daunting for some. It is important to think about this and figure out how you want to proceed. You need to start thinking like a leader. Do you want to take more risks, give your opinion or be more conservative in giving your opinions. This will help determine what kind of leader you want to be.

Take a listen!

1:13 Early Signs of Power Trap
10:00 Psychological Shift for New Leaders
26:05 Psychological Safety vs. Information Flow
53:03 Restraining vs. Surrendering Authority
1:02:17 Top Leadership Habit to Change

Connect with Nik:

Tune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.

From Solo Lawyer to Leader, The Psychological Shift No One Warns You About

Maximum Lawyer