“Those who have true power share it, while those who hunger power abuse it."
-- Royalton Ambrose
Besides Machiavelli's philosophy that "it is better to be feared than loved," Lord Acton's second most popular saying around power is, "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely."
Research indicates that while Machiavelli was wrong -- enduring power comes as a result of focusing on others, earning their respect, and contributing to the greater good -- Lord Acton was correct, "the experience of power destroys the skills that gained us power in the first place" (a.k.a. the power paradox).
Because power makes us feel as if we are less dependent on others, it tends to shift our focus away from others to our wants, desires, and perceived needs.
"Whether we are at work, out with friends, in encounters with strangers, or with our children, the very skills that enable us to gain respect and esteem [empathy, generosity, gratitude, unifying stories] are corrupted when we are feeling powerful." Keltner determines that power corrupts in four specific ways.
Power Principle 13: Power Leads to Empathy Deficits & Diminished Moral Sentiments
According to Keltner's research, when we start comparing ourselves to those we think of at the top or bottom of the power ladder, we shift our perception of ourselves and our level of power. The more powerful we feel, the greater the temptation to turn our focus from others to ourselves. This results in a decreased ability to read others' emotions, demonstrate empathy through mimicked body language and verbal tone, actively listen to their experiences and consider their perspective or point of view.
Without intentional action, this principle "makes us less likely to benefit from the wisdom of others and less likely to evoke trust in others and gain their esteem. And they make us less likely to experience compassion, gratitude, and elevation."
Power Principle 14: Power Leads to Self-Serving Impulsivity
Similarly, "the simple concept of power leads people to endorse more impulsive, unethical behavior, apparently neglecting the effects of their actions upon others." The book gives examples of this type of behavior, including cutting off other vehicles and pedestrians in traffic, eating the last cookie when the unspoken law of politeness strongly suggests that we refrain if there isn't enough to go around for an equal share, and becoming involved in a sexual affair.
When we succumb to the power paradox, this principle demonstrates that we see ourselves as "above the law," whether unwritten, social, or legal, and free to gratify our every desire while those around us pay the price.
"The power-hungry individual follows a path to his own destruction."
-- Adler
Power Principle 15: Power Leads to Incivility & Disrespect
"Every time you say something, you balance your impulse to express your ideas immediately against your appreciation of your listeners and your anticipation of what they might think and want to say." However, those who perceive themselves as more powerful are three times more likely to disregard the social laws of communication and become rude, disrespectful, crass, and/or uncivil. This behavior undermines collaboration, common courtesy, respect, and appreciation, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and shame for those around us.
Power Principle 16: Power Leads to Narratives of Exceptionalism
When we feel powerful, our stories shift from those that unify us as humanity to those that justify why we are set apart from others. "When it comes to the injustices that we ourselves perpetrate, our power makes us quite adept at rationalizing such acts so that we can preserve the belief that we are moral, ethical agents. Our power blinds us to our own unethical actions." This means we are more likely to admit that we would engage in and condone unethical behavior while simultaneously condemning others for the same actions. "The human mind justifies inequalities of wealth and power, indeed any social rank that places some above others, with stories about the unique and extraordinary qualities of those at the top."
This week, reflect on your experience with power -- at home, at work, in your community.
How can you intentionally avoid these principles in your life?
What actions can you take to maintain your power?