In its most basic essence, power is the ability to have an effect or to have influence. Martin Luther King defined power as your ability to achieve purpose. Your “personal power” is your birthright. No one gave it to you. It is transportable from situation to situation. It is part of your personality and connected to your soul. You develop and grow it over a lifetime of understanding and refining your impact on others.
Leaders, employers, therapists, doctors, lawyers, policemen, teachers, clergy, supervisors … these are examples of positions that impart “role power”. Role power is an add-on to your personal power. I think of it as putting on a scarf when you go to work or step into any professional or social role. The scarf symbolizes your add-on role power. It is a wise practice to take your “scarf” off when you step back into your personal life. Unfortunately, other people may continue to be aware of your role and the particular level of power that goes with it, even when you are back in your personal life on a weekend with your family.
The power difference that is created when you have role power can be quite subtle or very pronounced, and it can prompt a number of complex relational dynamics. One of those dynamics can involve a compelling shadow pull toward using power in self-serving ways.
Here are a few ways to reduce the potential of misusing role power and to cultivate ways of using it more wisely and well.
1. Own the considerable powers you have right now, both personal and role power.
Many people make the mistake of not owning their power because they are afraid of causing harm. Downplaying your power is also a kind of misuse of power. Find your “yes” so you can own and use your role power well. Keep reflecting on your impact and self-correcting wherever needed.
Downplaying your power is also a kind of misuse of power. Find your “yes” so you can own and use your role power well.
2. Stand in your strength while staying in your heart.
Aim to use your power with love.
Martin Luther King said: “We’ve got to get this thing right. What is needed is a realization that power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic. Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.”
3. Learn how to resolve relational difficulties.
Stay connected and be non-defensive and curious. Compassionately accept that you are human and will make mistakes. Be less ashamed or defensive about mistakes. Be more focused on resolution and repair.
4. Cultivate a variety of up- and down-power roles.
Experiencing both ends of the power dynamic can help you keep a felt sense of the shine and shadow of power. It can be challenging to remember that your role power is an add-on power. It isn’t the equivalent of your personal power. You can take it on and off consciously. This will help prevent burnout and help you stay connected with your natural empathy when using your role power. But remember that others around you may continue to associate you with your role power even when you are in a casual nonprofessional setting and not in your role!
5. Be power positive.
Be on the lookout for people who are using their power wisely and well. Acknowledge them. Celebrate them. Study them. There are so many right users of power already. Give them the Power Positive stamp of approval.
A licensed counselor can help you cultivate power positive behaviors. You can find a counselor here.
© Copyright 2019 GoodTherapy.org. All rights reserved.
The preceding article was solely written by the author named above. Any views and opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by GoodTherapy.org. Questions or concerns about the preceding article can be directed to the author or posted as a comment below.