The Virtue of Power
Do people look up to you? When you need something done, do you have the influence and the access to make it happen? Would you have it any other way?
Power is a loaded word today. On the one hand, it makes us think of corruption and a soul-sucking lust for control. On the other hand, those same powerful people hold the numbers we call when we want to instigate change in the world. Such is the blessing and the curse of Power.
About 10% of people are much more comfortable acquiring and wielding power than everyone else. Now, this doesn’t mean that they are wannabe despots or dictators. Actually, they might want to use their power to serve humanity. The difference, is that they would feel like they’re strolling through the ninth circle of Hell if they had to serve humanity as a nameless, faceless cog in the wheel of a humanitarian organization. It’s vital for them to be recognized and influential within that organization.
Similarly, if Power is your Life Decision Pulse™—the key guiding principle for all of your life’s decisions, you might think it’d be pretty cool to be rich. But winning the lottery wouldn’t trip your trigger, because it wouldn’t earn you what you really want—respect and influence. People like Teddy Roosevelt and Oprah, are great examples of people with the Power Pulse. Ronald Reagan and JFK would be a couple of other good examples. They are all successful and financially stable, but it’s the influence they crave(d) much more than the wealth.
If you’re one of these folks, you’ll see yourself making decisions like these:
“I thrive when my team looks to me for guidance. I do my best work and provide the most value when I can exercise that kind of influence.”
“We decided to send our kids to one of the most prestigious private schools in the city. The most powerful politicians and executives send their kids there too.”
“I’ve chosen to stick with this job for a long time. It has unlimited opportunity for advancement, and this company is one of the biggest names in the industry. It commands a lot of respect.”
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