How Power Can Corrupt—and How Great Leaders Prevent It
Power is a double-edged sword. It can help you achieve great things, but it can also lead to poor behavior, broken relationships, and a loss of influence. In the book Power and Impact from the HBR Emotional Intelligence Series, we learn how to use power effectively without letting it corrupt us. Here are the key takeaways:
- Power and Corruption: Even in simple situations, like sharing cookies, power can make us selfish. It’s essential to be aware of how power changes our behavior—especially in leadership roles.
- Empathy, Gratitude, and Generosity: To counteract the corrupting effects of power, leaders should focus on these three values. A CEO who writes daily thank-you notes, for example, fosters a culture of appreciation and humility.
- The Power Paradox: The more power you have, the more disconnected you may become from others. Leaders need to work to stay connected, empathetic, and avoid seeing people as mere tools.
- Avoiding Common Leadership Pitfalls: Leaders can lose power by making common mistakes—like involving too many people in decisions, accommodating others without focus, or tolerating poor performance.
- Manipulation: Leaders should be on the lookout for manipulative behaviors, such as flattery or subtle undermining. The best response? Confront it and refuse to be part of secrecy or hidden agendas.
- Servant Leadership: The most powerful leaders are those who empower their teams, fostering growth and respect. Servant leaders listen, guide, and build strong relationships by putting their team’s needs first.
By remembering these principles, leaders can wield power responsibly and leave a positive legacy.
