As leaders we possess power. The power of chain of command. The power to influence, to make decisions, to challenge, and to create change.
Power has a special purpose. It exists to channel the energy of our people and direct it toward the mission.
However, power comes at a cost. Often the cost is not immediately visible, but we pay the price nevertheless.
Serious damage occurs in our personal lives and in our organisations when we forget the purpose of power and start clinging to it. We begin to associate our identity with it. Losing power then feels like a personal loss.
Our ego and pride become tied to the position. We start paying any price to remain in power.
On the surface we may appear to be winning. Beneath it, we lose on many fronts we fail to notice until it is too late.
The real question for any leader is this:
How will I serve my mandate with the power entrusted to me?
Power is a tool. It exists for the mission. It has no relationship with my identity.
When leaders remember this, power becomes service rather than possession.
