Investing Your Power

Each one of us has a degree of power. In some situation, somewhere, we have some form of power over someone else. Whether its the power of privilege, the power of authority, the power of love or the power of persuasion, there are many forms of power within our worlds. It is no different for the world of sports. Coaches hold power over players, players struggle for power amongst themselves, power is the catalyst by which things happen.

So what then, is the proper use of power? Are we doomed to be corrupted by it? In the words of Lord Action, does “Power tend to corrupt, and absolute power corrupt absolutely? Are great men almost always bad men?” Is there a way in which power can be used to do good without corrupting those who use it?

I would suggest that there is a method for which power can be used without corruption or misuse: power must be given away. If power is invested, spent, given to others to in turn, empower them, power can be a positive thing. Those given the power away do not lost their power. In truth, their power is strengthened and enhanced. The role of a coach, a teacher, a mentor, a leader, is to invest and share their earned or inherent power to shape and grow those they have power over.

Coaches can either use their position of power to massage an ego, or, they can use their position of power to shape and mold young women and men who are healthy and powerful themselves.

Bosses or managers in the work place have the same choice. Will they use their power for personal gain and self-inflation? Or, create a workplace where people are thriving and growing because the power that is given to the leader is being invested and shared in the team within which they are working?

The choice is present in any situation. What will I do with the power given to me?

Second, we must nullify the myth that power only exists within a select few. This is simply not true. Though there may be levels of power, when I as a player decide to take my power of choice and cooperation and submit it to the power of my coach, an amazing opportunity for success can occur. When I place my power of trust into the hands of another and they, in turn, value and protect that power I have given them, a bond and relationship is forged which is strong and difficult to break.

We each have power. What will you do with yours?