"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." - Abraham Lincoln
If a survey was done that reflected the most common pursuits of men and women throughout time, I believe that power would be among the top results. Deep inside each one of us is a yearning for the ability to do something - in some more than others.
As humans, we all have a level of ambition.
For some, it may be to have the ability to provide for their families.
For others, it may be to conquer nations and grow global influence.
For others, it may be to have authority within an organization.
For those seeking to do good, it may be a desire for the power to create change within a nation.
Power is the ability to influence or accomplish something.
The human condition is very complex and encompasses a unique capacity to influence, persuade, initiate and do. This power of which I write is not inherently bad, however, like anything, it can be used in awful and malicious ways.
Throughout history, we have seen the good and the bad that can come about when power is at work.
We read about World War II in the mid-20th century and how Adolf Hitler used his power and influence to brutally kill millions of Jews, some of whom were killed in brutal concentration camps.
We read about the Transatlantic Slave Trade, which resulted in the dehumanization, degradation and deaths of Africans who were taken from their homes and sold into slavery.
On the positive side of power, we read about the Civil Rights Movement in the United States of America where activists, including Martin Luther King Jr., used their influence and the power of non-violent resistance to bring about equitable living to marginalized Blacks all over America.
We also read about Mother Teresa who selflessly used her influence to initiate the formation of the Missions of Charities, which formed orphanages, schools and soup kitchens throughout the world.
Power can be used positively and negatively.
In modern times, although we have achieved major technological advancements, power is still abused very frequently.
Social media can be used to raise funds for medical care for someone in need, while it can also be used by an influencer to spew hate and to bully.
I believe that although we may be advancing technologically, the moral fabric of our world, in all honestly, may be regressing.
The Bahamian context
There are many calls in The Bahamas for campaign finance laws, due to the belief of many that, historically, many government leaders have fallen into corruption. We see the stories on the nightly news and read about it in the newspapers every so often.
The temptation to abuse power for personal benefit is real, strong and sometimes irresistible to many.
Given the fact that there is little to no transparency as to the identity of campaign contributors, all we can do is hope that governments will act in the best interest of The Bahamian people and not the special interests of political donors.
Governments have promised to bring more accountability to the electoral process in The Bahamas, but, to date, it is not a promise that has been realized.
In my opinion, we have become a tribal people. What I mean by tribal is that we have developed more loyalties to individual parties, organizations and other leaders than to the greater good for all.
A contributing factor of this is that loyalty brings reciprocation. I scratch your back, you scratch my back. I support you, and you support me.
The sad thing is that this way of thinking and living lacks objectivity, which is needed for positive change and our advancement as a people.
Yes, I believe that we can support groups and leaders, but not at the cost of our future.
If we continue to only look out for our self-interest and not add accountability to decisions being made, our leaders will continue to perpetuate decisions made contrary to the overarching greater good.
We need to stop thinking "us versus them".
We need to begin to think about what is better for the collective good. This current thinking is systemic within the leadership systems of our great nation and it truly hampers growth and advancement.
For example, an individual has sacrificed years in developing a viable product that can solve crucial problems within our country.
When the project is proposed to a decision maker, the first question is asked, "Who are they?", followed by "Who are their family members?" and "Which party do they support?"
This status quo is ugly, toxic, and is sadly being perpetuated from generation to generation.
What is more alarming is that some of us have become desensitized to it.
The common phrase that captures the scope of the matter is, "It's who you know".
Many make great speeches and promises to bring reform to this evident problem we have in our nation, but, to date, we have yet to see the fruits.
The intoxicated leader
Anyone who has ever held a significant position in leadership can attest to the alluring inward satisfaction that comes with having significant authority.
To some who lose it, their life's aim is to get it back.
There is a popular adage, "When you get it, the goal is now to keep it".
Many in leadership spinelessly do whatever they can to either gain power or keep it. They are intoxicated by authority, leading them to focus more on pursuing support, rather than pursuing the greater good.
I will not condemn all leaders through a sweeping generalization.
I am sure we have had great leaders in our nation's history who have focused on the greater good and advancement of our people. However, there have also been some who have truly abused power, partly by becoming intoxicated by it.
The solution
Through studying leadership theory, I came across many leadership styles. Some are dictatorial. Some are consensus driven. Some are transformative.
The best style I have seen or observed is servant leadership.
Servant leadership places prominence or greater esteem on those being served rather than on the one serving.
It focuses on humility, collaboration and open communication lines throughout organizations, all toward realizing a ubiquitously benefiting goal or end.
To become a servant leader, you must be a person of integrity. You must be the type of leader who does the right thing when no one is looking.
You must be the type of person who goes against the grain or the popular pattern of the culture.
Your passion must be toward the greater good, rather than keeping a seat at the table.
This is the type of leadership Nelson Mandela exhibited. He valued the liberation of Blacks in South Africa more than he valued his life, or his freedom.
Conclusion
Now, more than ever, we need leaders of integrity.
We need leaders who are more concerned with people than with power.
As I have discussed, power is not inherently bad.
However, it takes much discipline, internal examination, and outright determination to avoid being lured into the temptations it brings.
As a millennial, I can surely say that the young are watching and taking notes of the way leaders are conducting themselves.
My question to all leaders in our land is: Will you be the example and break the status quo, so that the young can be hopeful about their future?
• Malcolm Foulkes is the recipient of the 2015 Government of The Bahamas Ministry of Youth Award in Religion, and the 2018 Dr. Myles and Ruth Munroe award for Outstanding Leadership. He is the CEO of the BMCI and is a former sales and marketing manager and marketing rxecutive at a mega resort and luxury retail chain in The Bahamas. He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration along with multiple professional business certifications. Comments and feedback can be sent to Malcolm.Foulkes@thebmci.com.
The post The perils of power appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.
Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian
