This is how to use power

There are different levels of authority in this world. Some individuals are so powerful that they command either fear or respect with a very large number of people. Some of these people are royalties, holders of positions of power in nations, owners of business empires, or even your boss at work. Authorities have boundaries and levels, and people use or misuse power as they deem fit. I have spent my entire life wondering what the real use or the necessity of power is. What I have seen in the world is the use of power in a way that makes people become fearful, resentful, rebellious or disoriented. The question is, “do we really need to use power?”. The truth is that most people are reduced to absolutely nothing if you take away the power or the authority given to them.

I want you to think carefully about this. Would those you work with, your family, your friends or community continue to follow your lead even if you are stripped of all the positional, political or economic power you currently possess? Should you and I not check whether people are following our leadership and influence rather than our authority and power? If you need to use your position or power to get things moving with the people around you, then something is fundamentally wrong somewhere. Real leaders do not need positions or titles. People follow real leaders because of their influence and not because of their power. Leadership thrives where power fails.
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So, how do you use power? Well, maybe power is not meant to be used but to be shared. The purpose of power is to empower other people. Power gets misused when it is in the wrong hands. There is an old saying that power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. That is true for those who usurp power unto themselves, believing that they are the only ones that have power and thereby disregard those who do not have power. Nevertheless, we all know that powers can shift base and tables can turn. All power and authority are transient. When you possess power, think about empowering others so they too can maximize their own lives. Do not use power over anyone. Do not lord anything over anyone. Remember that when power is gone, you will be left with your character, influence and the relationships you built or did not build. 

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Actions for the week

1. Take stock of your power. How much authority do you have at home, at work, and in the community?
2. Think about how you will share your power with those around you. Start or continue empowering others.
3. Share this message with those around you.

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A quote to remember
True power and true happiness are when you use your success to make others around you feel even more significant. - Hrithik Roshan

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Until another time,
Dele Ola, Award-Winning Author of Be A Change Agent
​Click HERE to learn about and get copies of Dele’s Books