I just gave a listen to an old NPR interview with the author of “The Perils of Power.” First they redefined power: there’s the traditional definition of might, resources, positional power vs. the the more nuanced definition of power which includes influence and respect. This nuanced definition tied directly into emotional intelligence and servant leadership. Those that display ‘altruism, kindness, social intelligence,’ gained power and respect from their peers more successfully than their peers which did not. Then comes the paradox. As all those kind folks moved up and gained power their social intelligence actually decreased. In some studies they actually lost their ability to read emotions from facial expressions.
So no real surprise. Power corrupts.
My values + worldview lead me to servant leadership
The two things I’ve done the most during PSEL is to reassess my values and think hard about the kind of leader I want to be. Previously, I mentioned I had a natural inclination towards servant leadership and I was wondering why. I think it taps into my more foundational values.
When I think about one of my fav passions “creating things” I’ve always considered it was because the joy and sense of discovery I experience. I always get a kick from seeing the results and pondering “where and how did I come up with that idea.” But there’s a second side I never considered. I don’t just do this in a vacuum. I like sharing those creations with others. Why? I think it’s because I also want to see how it will impact those around me. (Not always positively. Among my friends I am often the pot-stirrer on board game nights. Truthfully, I have a little Iago in me.)
Then, there is the integrity aspect. How can I ask someone to behave or change if I don’t embody that change too? Being a servant leader ties into my values of integrity and gives me the chance to see how my actions can have a positive impact.
Zeroing on my goals
My other value/belief is that power corrupts and that most large/powerful institutions likely have an immoral and/or unethical foundation. This value is really helping me zero in on my goals and action steps.
When I’m shown quotes from a leader from a large corporation I cannot fight thoughts like: Has there been a more destructive group of humans than the “C-suite” of fortune 500 companies—especially in the past 40 years? Why must we quantify the value of diversity and inclusion by profit increases? I understand this a a business program, but does anyone find it surprising that most of the transformation leaders mentioned in Dr. Tom C. Hogan’s video were of individuals who fought against the ‘c-suite’ and not too many names of those w/in that group. Probably not. I think from one POV this could be considered a bias, but whatever you call it I do think is gives me some direction.
So my goal is to avoid the traditional definition of power. I want to take a more altruistic approach to leadership. My goals for this summer is too improve on my foundational skills like project, time, and relationship management and become a leading example within my workgroup. Now I’m ready to schedule my leadership interviews!
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