We found ourselves thinking about different types of power today, specifically different ways in which power is held, exercised and experienced. Power that can abuse and stomp out disagreements, , power that concentrates responsibilities with a few so everyone can focus on solely their tasks, power that changes the world every night when you sleep and doesn't let you question why, power that is all about building consensus, interpersonal relationships and group decision-making, power that allows debate to foster but gently nudges towards the right thing by reserving authority.
A few days back a professor said in class: Power corrupts, but perhaps, powerlessness corrupts even more. The conversation then was about examining what people might be willing to do and what personal values they may be willing to sacrifice when they feel helpless and powerless. Driven to the edge with defensiveness, most people will resort to one or more of anger, violence, crime, defensiveness and non co-operation. Needless to say, that is an avoidable situation for everyone concerned. With that background, I found myself wondering about the responsibility of power and those who have it to use it judiciously, in a way that's better for many more than it's worse, in a way that makes those without not feel excluded, in a way that provides direction and peace instead of pushing people into chaos.
Most leaders - and many of us aspiring leaders - have a high need for achievement, an affinity for power and an eagerness for responsibility. Even if we didn't reach out for it, we wield some form of power in certain contextual settings. And on the other hand, almost all of us as human beings can identify with feeling helpless, almost outraged, in one sphere or the other of our existence, which may or may not be personally very relevant. We definitely have a responsibility to acknowledge and examine our power, the way we exercise it, and the impact it has.
After all is said and done, more is said than done.
