In 2023, Use Your Power More Effectively
5 approaches to using your (silent) power more forcefully.
Power is nothing without control.
~ Pirelli Tyres
How many of us remember that iconic trademark and Annie Leibovitz's timeless images that heralded it?
The first time I came across it was in the early 1990s. I still remember the location — Pirelli Tyres distributors center in my town.
Shortly after purchasing my first car, I had to shop for a new set of tires and Pirelli tires were highly recommended. I can’t recall if it was the recommendation or the jingle that got me hooked, but I was a fan of Pirelli for many years afterward.
Even though I do not always abide by its ethos, that slogan has resonated within my brain ever since. You may be one of the few exemptions though - always abiding by that rule and never tempted to abuse your powers.
One of life’s greatest tragedies is seeing humans, especially powerful people, using their powers in self-destructive ways.
Dr Lewis Timberlake recounted a story that best exemplifies this self-destructive human propensity.
As recounted by him, several years ago, a group of whales, while pursuing sardines, found themselves marooned in a small bay. The bay proved to be a death trap for the large mammals (because the water was too shallow for them). The author commented that “The small school of fish, lured the sea giants to their deaths..... The mighty whales came to their violent demise by chasing small ends, by prostituting vast powers for insignificant goals."
Sperm whales are known to dive as deep as 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) in search of squid to eat. These giant mammals must hold their breath for up to 90 minutes on such dives. These toothed whales eat thousands of pounds of fish and squid—about one ton (907 kg) per day. It is on record that the largest of these mammals can weigh as much as 50 tons. (That is the equivalent of over 14 Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs.)
What is self-destructive behavior?
Self-destructive behaviors are those actions that are bound to harm you physically or mentally. It may be unintentional. People with such behavioral patterns may know exactly what they are doing and be aware of their self-destructive consequences. Still, the urge is too strong for them to restrain themselves, control, or even stop engaging in it.
Even when such behaviors are not immediately catastrophic in the short run, they could hinder or checkmate the self-inflicted victim from reaching their full potential. Case in point: students who refuse to devote enough time to their studies because of mobile phone addiction.
Causes
Self-destructive behaviors often result from prostituting tremendous powers in pursuit of unbecoming and less rewarding ends. Such behaviors may be due to earlier life experiences. Other contributory factors include mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
People with mental disorders or psychological problems may engage in self-destructive behaviors. The best solution in such cases is to seek for counseling or get medical help.
Also, many normal and successful people engage in self-limiting or self-destructive actions, choices, or lifestyles. The tabloids are awash with stories of high-flying politicians who were brought down by their unrestrained illicit passions (Anthony Weiner's sexting scandal involving minors).
The late American president, Richard Nixon, was brought down in the wake of his Watergate Scandal. At the root of his fall was his overreaching power — to illegally undermine upstarting challengers.
The internet and social media are continuously inundated with stories of politicians, superstars, or celebrities who self-destroyed while using their powers to pursue small, unbecoming, or unfair advantages.
With great power comes great responsibility.
~Spider Man
Uncle Ben’s advice to Peter Parker in Marvel’s Spider-Man comics is in tune with the medieval principle of noblesse oblige. That is to say, power cannot simply be enjoyed for its privileges alone but necessarily makes its holders morally responsible both for what they choose to do with it and for what they fail to do with it.
Responsibly
Your words have power. Many times, your whisper or still-small voice can prove to be more effective than the clap of thunder.
Having power or influence over other people is not a license to lord it over or run roughshod over others.
Put yourself in others' shoes and learn to view things from their perspectives. Many times, it pays you and everyone better that way.
Over and again, there will be many instances where giving up your "right of way" will be the most potent, efficient, and effective way of exercising that power, and retaining it along with your subordinates' respect.
Remember, power is not all about people kowtowing to you in obedience and you always have your way. Step down from your pinnacle and ensure your words are in tandem with your actions.
As 2022 runs its course and we all step into 2023, ensure you’re not using your powers to chase small ends. Recall the story of the whale and the school of sardines. Such a move will only hasten doomsday.
More power to you in 2023.
How well will you use it?
Sources
©Lewis Timberlake, It’s Always Too Soon To Quit, Fleming H. Revell Publishers, 1988
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One of life’s greatest tragedies is seeing humans, especially powerful people, using their powers in self-destructive ways.
I have seen it, many time.