Power and Position

Power is a word that magnetizes emotional response. Most typically there is an emotional reaction to the word and an immediate association with 'abuse of power'. We seek empowerment, yet shun power. Somewhere we have collectively arrived at a disconnect between the word power and its meaning.

Why is that important? Good question. Look at politics and executive behaviour and the evidence is before you. The majority of ethical breaches are commited by 'a trusted male executive who will carry out as many as 20 acts of serious fraud over a period of up to five years or more'. "Over 60% of perpetrators are members of senior management, whose status in the company makes it easier to bypass internal controls and inflict greater damage on the company" states Richard Powell, KPMG Forensic. 

Politically, when we survey human history there are dictators and democratic leaders who operate pretty much the same. The governance structure is not what defines use of  power. It is the person who does. Take, for example, a look at the film being made on Cyrus the Great who ruled Persia at a time when power was associated with burning, looting, slavery and so on. Cyrus the Great, also known as Kourosh, freed his captives, gave them religious freedom and did not behead the defeated ruler like most did at that time. HIs Charter of Rights became a model for others to follow. His rule from 580-529 AD was the formation of the Persian Empire. A short clip on www.spentaproductions.com or on YouTube explain the significance of his rule.

Cyrus was a dictator. Democratic leaders have behaved far worse. The film maker's imprisonment by the US while filming in Iraq is a first hand account of what happens when group think defines how power is used rather than a solid and sound relationship with power  - the power within that Anthony Robbins and others talk about.

Power of position is a sacred trust... or at least it was. It is not power but ones relationship with it that defines its impact. In company's the use of power is seen as control typically. In leadership development and in management training the reconciliation between power and control is rarely if ever addressed.

How do you see power being used in organizations and what does it mean to you?