Opportunity, Responsibility, and the Impact Of Power
Power is a goal that many strive to gain. In a workplace, people have different levels of power. Leaders may use their power in a variety of ways, and informal leaders in an organization may also exert power in other ways. But what exactly is power? What kind of impact does it leave, and how does it connect with opportunity and responsibility?
Merriam-Webster defines “power” as the possession of control, authority or influence over others. Power dynamics exist in every relationship, whether it is personal or professional. Your boss has authority over you, and similarly, spouses or significant others, parents, friends and even your children, can possess some form of power.
As a leader, you may not be aware of how others view your actions and behaviors in terms of power. It’s something you need to be aware of, because “With great power comes great responsibility”.
If our desire is to make a positive impact on someone's life – which should be the goal of any leader (and, we all can be leaders) – then we first must better understand how we use our power.
Opportunities come with responsibility
A person who is responsible is one who has the ability to respond to a situation and the power to perform assigned duties. When you are given the opportunity to do something, and you hold yourself accountable, you accept responsibility for the outcomes of your decisions and actions.
Even when the outcomes don't meet expectations, a leader does not point the finger at others or come up with excuses. Instead, a good leader does everything possible to fix the situation - and accepts responsibility for the outcome - good or bad.
Individually, we each accept responsibility for our actions within the aspects of our lives where we have been presented with opportunity - this can be in terms of work or other personal situations, such as developing a relationship or becoming a parent.
When people hold themselves accountable, they acknowledge the consequences of their conduct. Working efficiently and effectively is achieved when responsibilities are clearly defined. We each must
understand our responsibilities well in order to hold ourselves accountable.
Responsibility to self, others and community
When you are offered opportunity, you are also responsible for your actions and decisions. A person may become more aware of their actions and behaviors. A leader holds themselves responsible to the same standards that are expected of others.
Also with power, is a responsibility toward others – to respect their concerns and opinions, even if you do not always agree. Sometimes, being responsible for others means using your power to make choices that may not be popular but are necessary for the benefit or well-being of the greater good. This thought merges with responsibility for the community.
It’s important for a leader to ask for, and consider, input from the work community on company goals, initiatives and issues. You never know what innovative or creative idea a front-line worker may come up with.
Having the power to make decisions that are best for the overall success of the organization benefits the work community, as it allows for continued work and increased opportunities within the organization
Shared responsibility creates shared power
People feel less responsible and less empowered when a leader’s focus is perceived to be on their own power. A power-focused leader may bark orders and demonstrate a lack of respect toward others. The power-focused leader forgets that every employee comes to the workplace with a set of expectations and responsibilities – it’s not just about them.
A leader who has mastered the concept of power, will lead as power-less. That is to say, a leader who creates a strong sense of shared responsibility within members of the organization, will create a work environment where people see themselves as working toward a common goal.
Every person has their set of responsibilities that fit and work in harmony with those around them. One piece or one person in the plan is no more important or no less important than the other – creating shared power.
How will you share your power?
As a leader, how do you wield your power? Do you regularly gather input from your employees to create a sense of shared responsibility and community? What actions can you take to share the power?
