#255 – Power – what's the dangerous kind?

Power: some want it, some eschew it. But we all need it in some degree. Without power, we can't function, either as individuals or as a collective.

Power gives us the ability to act and be, and sometimes the freedom to live our lives exactly how we want.

It's important to distinguish two different ways in which power shows up: one is internal – Personal Power – and the other one is external – Positional Power.

We develop our Personal Power as we live through different experiences. Positional Power, on the other hand, needs to be acquired: someone may give it to us or we may take it from someone else.

Someone who has a fully developed Personal Power feels at home in their own skin. They know they have nothing to hide and nothing to prove. They acknowledge their mistakes without shame or guilt, and don't blame external actors for them. They don't seek status or feel validated by external things or people.

In other words, they're not haunted by Ghosts or constantly berated by their Egos. They embody their True Selves and live in alignment with their values.

Positional Power is external, and many people, especially those who haven't fully developed their Personal Power, seek it in order to feel secure.

This is the dangerous kind of power. The ability to influence an outcome at scale (for a team, a company, a country) in the hands of someone who doesn't feel powerful inside. Or who needs this external demonstration of power in order to feel powerful.

A leader who feels at home in her own skin will be a reasonable, compassionate, and effective leader.

One who needs the title in order to feel important won't.

And only individuals with fully developed, strong Personal Power will be able to stand up to the small True Selves who abuse the Positional Power they've acquired – by being given or taking it.

Where in your life could you develop your Personal Power so that you feel more comfortable with Positional Power?

Love,

Carolina