↗️ What absolute power does

You know the saying: ‘Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.’

Unchecked power also does something else very disturbing: it reduces empathy and compassion.

And to my dismay, we saw that acted out horribly over the past few days in an invasion of the free country of Ukraine.

I have seen and read a number of portrays of the aggressor’s Leader. In one of them, pathological patterns were discussed. I personally find this description of psychopathy telling:

“Psychopaths are more “cold-hearted” and calculating. They carefully plot their moves, and use aggression in a planned-out way to get what they want.” And “They don’t fear the consequences of their actions.”

Sounds familiar.

Well, why do I mention all this?

You and I (hopefully) do not remotely resemble a country leader who believes that wilfully inflicted human suffering is acceptable.

But there IS something else.

There is an uncomfortable truth: We do not have to show psychopath tendencies to display a lack of empathy with more power. Sadly, it is a general human bias. Being a psychopath will just amplify it so much more.

In one of the later lessons in my signature coaching skills course ‘The Leader Academy Program’, I introduce one the most dangerous biases of all:

The bias blind spot

This is the misguided belief that you are immune from a certain bias and that it does not affect you.

The truth is that this affects all of us. Do you believe you are immune to the bias of losing empathy with more power?

If you say ‘yes’, think again.

For example, it is that same blind over-confidence that makes people think they would never fall for a con man (someone who betrays you through an elaborate ruse/trickery). Well, you know, con men count on you believing that, because it lets your guards down.

Leaders KNOW that can fail

I personally believe that strong Leaders assume and just accept that they are easy prey to harmful power biases. We have to always work hard to keep the space in our team psychologically safe.

We have to ask for feedback, and adjust our self-image every single day.

A tough question

I want to end with a tough statement and a tough question.

I personally made peace with the fact that power will corrupt me and affect my ability to emphasise. I have to watch out and keep my guards up.

How about you?

-Maik