Abuse of Power
History is rife with stories of people who abused their power. Abuse of power, however, is not just reserved for politicians and tyrants. It can be abused by managers, spouses, parents, peers and so on. It is the lure of dominance over others, when it motivates people toward leadership roles, that is revealing. It reveals uncertainty, lack of confidence and fear.
It is said that power corrupts, but more often than not, it is a corrupted individual who is attracted to power. The napoleon complex, a feeling of inferiority, that drives someone to control other people and to micro-manage their surroundings. Known today as a control freak. Science fiction author, Robert Heinlein wrote,
"Anyone who wants to be a politician shouldn’t be allowed to be one.”
A true leader is motivated by a goal. A goal common to his group whether that group is a company or a country. If you find yourself attracted to leadership, stop and check your motivation. Are you driven to share your gift of understanding in the endeavor of achieving a goal, or are you motivated by perquisites of position and the power you have over others?
As John Quincy Adams said,
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
A true leader has self-esteem and self-confidence and does not seek power to bolster his or her feeling of self worth.
Thomas Jefferson observed,
"An honest man can feel no pleasure in the exercise of power over his fellow citizens.”
Psychology Today
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