In this episode of The Unseen Advantage, we explore the invisible force beneath every professional relationship: asymmetry. The moment someone’s opportunity, evaluation, or reputation is shaped by your judgement, power enters the room — and it quietly changes behaviour.

You’ll discover:

• The different bases of power (French & Raven, 1959) and how they operate in teams
• Why authority subtly changes your cognition and reduces friction (Keltner et al., 2003)
• How power narrows perspective-taking (Galinsky et al., 2006)
• The difference between dominance and prestige hierarchies (Henrich & Gil-White, 2001)
• Why compliance can look like commitment — but isn’t

This isn’t an episode about avoiding power.

It’s about recognising it, managing it, and preventing it from insulating you from truth.

If you lead people — formally or informally — this conversation will change how you walk into your next meeting.

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Dr John McMahon is a Leadership Psychologist and Executive Coach. He holds a PhD in Management Psychology, and MBA. He has worked with senior leaders, boards, founders, and executive teams across industries and continents.

WhatsApp +44 7860 625551 for more information or to enquire about working with Dr John