28/8/21 QueenRay What do we do with power, when we are in power?
When we come in power, do we extort the people under us, or show that we are way better than them?
In my country I see people talking down on people in power or government positions daily.
But have we thought about it ourselves that "if I were in power, would I act differently?"
In times of troubles and uncertainty, those who possess power are faced with lots of responsibility than ever before.
Our Leaders are being tasked with the work of giving directions without the help of a roadmap or guide, and whatever decisions they take, would not only affect the success of the affairs of the nation at large but will also impact the safety and well-being of the country people.
Power can be said to be the ability by which we can influence the actions and inactions of people with or without any resistance by using various processes or means to push or prompt the actions.
Power is the ability and enablement to get things done at once. The people who possess power are people who are able to influence how other people behave in order to achieve their own goals or objectives.
Others may try various attempts to make them do certain things, but a leader who is very effective will be able to overcome whatever resistance they face. Although lots of people might be regarding power as evil or corrupt, power in itself is neither good nor bad.
Our Leaders in power can use their power to benefit others or to constrain them, to meet all the goals of the people or to undermine them.
Another way we can view power is by seeing it as a resource which people make use of in any relationship they find themselves.
When a person in power influences their subordinates, it is called downward power. We can think of it as someone who have power over other people.
On another hand, the subordinates can also make use of upward power, they can do this by making attempts to influence the decisions of the person in power.
Indeed, most leaders will depend on their teams to get many things done and in that way they are brought in subjection under the power of team members.
Abusing or misusing power or authority in the process of working can occur both internallyand externally. The effects can bring damage to people's morale and also to their relationships generally.
A simple way we can define abuse of power is the misuse of a position of power in order to take unjust advantage of people, companies, or even the government.
Abuse of power has been given various definitions, such as white-collar crimes, economic crimes, some call it organizational crimes or occupational crimes, others refer to it as public corruption, well organized crimes, governmental and also corporate deviances.
Acording to the UNESCO in the Ethics Guidance, abuse of power or authority can take various forms.
Examples are:
Bullying or harassing behaviour
Requesting staff to do personal errands or favours
Pressuring staff to distort facts or break rules
Interfering with the ability of a colleague to work effectively (i.e. by impeding access to information or resources)
Ways we should Act when in Power
Do not seek to impress people, be real
Try as much as possible to be straightforward with people.
Plan on how to improve yourself through your daily habits.
Find out ways by which you can demonstrate gratitude.
Do not always be the one to have the last word, allow others to express their minds.
Show interestin people, listen to them and take an interest in the things they do.
Be a contribution; make things change for the better.
Never try to apologize for being different.
Develop the ability to stop and think before responding.
Let your words be minimal
I remember when I was in secondary school as the senior prefect I never use my power as a benefit or terrorize people