A corporate CEO’s power is formal authority over others. The first implies choice, and the second control. The people who followed MLK didn’t work for him. He didn’t hold any formal power over them. He led with influence. He made people feel heard and understood. He painted a vision of a better future and motivated his followers to act. People chose to follow MLK because he commanded respect, engendered trust, and deserved their admiration. Dr. King embodies the cocktail of traits from which true leaders are born.
