Power!!…I know a strange topic but in the workplace it is always buzzing with power wrangles of who is more powerful than the other.
What is power? According to Wikipedia power is having control or influence over people. The workplace was almost automatically designed in an ascending order where there are those at the bottom who yield the least power while those at the top yield more power. But, then naturally humans are designed to want to yield the most power. It is the simplest case of the forces of nature against man made forces, and we are yet to find a middle ground where the two forces balance.
Power corrupts, is the infamous saying that we all grew up constantly being drilled into our little brains to view having power really as an all out evil thing to have. Into our teenage years, the sagely words of the saying only ring very softly in our brains. We go forth and get into the real world and suddenly power becomes this promised land, full of milk and honey, that we all aspire to get to. And we are ready to do just about anything and trample over anyone who gets on our path to us having ultimate power.
So finally, what is my issue…..I have a few questions…..What is true power?? What is the right way to utilize the power that you have?? Is there really any ethical path to take towards getting power??( remember the end justifies the means) Ponder on that.
teiya oloilole 
A: it is the power over ones own mind: for the benefit of others: no idea but let me know if you find out.
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There is power, and there is influence. Leadership is influence…nothing more, nothing less- John Maxwell. We can have influence at any position in life and within the workplace: as a subordinate, a peer or as a person with great authority. Be blessed, Crystal
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Power is the application of influence within your sphere. Like any tool, power can be used for good or evil. Intent lends it credence. Power is a word, a thought, and an action with impact and tinged with manipulation. Neutral force, it’s part and parcel of being together with others. Power over self is called control. Power over others, manipulation. Power is having the ability, authority, availability to make wishes reality, to move obstacles with minimal effort and to exercise one’s will upon their environment.
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I like how you put it…so power is really about what you do with it whether positive or negative?
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That’s the way I see it. 🙂 Power is the fuel that drives effective outcomes. The purpose of that outcome, be it good or bad, is up to the wielder of that power.
For example, having the power to control minds can be used for good or evil. Or having the power to make a nation obey you can be a tool for salvation or destruction.
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So it would be right to say that at times it is best to limits powers when the potential harm by the negative deeds of the wielder are high?
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It sounds like you’re asking whether it might be best to limit power if there is a high likelihood for potential harm or if the wielder of that power leans toward negative deeds, correct?
I think that is where responsibility comes in. If power is a force, then responsibility is the parameters and control acts as the limits. “With great power comes great responsibility” right? Weighing the outcomes against the potential action, using judgment and morality as a measure of indication of positive/negative outcomes. Maintaining control to restrict rampant use and abuse of power. In using power, there must be a balance (i.e. we can’t survive without water, but too much water can kill and destroy, and too little water can kill and destroy).
Wielding power can be addictive, and the power itself can become tainted by ego, pride, arrogance, greed, etc. Compromise of good morals, lack of control, and poor judgment can quickly direct power toward evil outcomes. In use of power, an equal dose of humility would be necessary to ensure that ego doesn’t take hold.
To cycle back to your question, I’m reminded of the adage “everything in moderation”. Too much power can be dangerous, because mortals are fallible and mercurial and easily influenced by the egomania byproduct that tends to result. Also, the ends don’t justify the means, and the decision making process for using power can result in negative outcomes that may or may not outweigh the good intentions of the wielder.
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Hence it is better for us to be safe by limiting power so that the wielders of that power do not do as much harm in case they are corrupted by it?
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*Smiles: How far down the rabbit hole can we go? 🙂
It’s a classic red pill, blue pill decision.
On the one hand, that would be one solution: limit power so that those who use that power have a reduced chance for corruption. On the other hand… who’s getting the power to limit the power? Who gets to say whether the wielder of power is corrupted? What are the consequences and regulations and who gets to make and enforce them?
And it can get crazier. Who defines what “safe” means (an extreme example, post 9/11 US)?
The short answer: maybe so.
The long answer: it’s complicated.
Reminds me of the X-men comics, the struggle between use, abuse, and fear of power.
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We would not come to a clear conclusion if we continue down this path…
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