The Seductive Challenge of Authority: Staying Centered Amid Power's Privileges and Pitfalls
The Seductive Challenge of Authority: Staying Centered Amid Power's Privileges and Pitfalls
Leadership and the True Test of Character
When Robert Moses emerged as New York’s unelected infrastructure kingpin in the mid-20th century, he seemed a visionary—at first. The parks, bridges, and highways Moses built revitalized the city and made him a celebrity. But unrestrained power soon corrupted the once idealistic leader.
Moses deliberately built overpasses too low for buses to pass under, callously cutting off public transit to poor communities and people of color. He demolished vibrant neighborhoods to make way for expressways. Criticism only fueled Moses’ sense of impunity. "Those who can, build," he infamously pronounced. "Those who can't, criticize."
Few could challenge the transportation czar at the height of his authority. But Moses’ indifference to the human toll eventually spurred uprisings that curtailed his powers. As Lincoln observed, unaccountable authority reveals one's true character.
The Nature of Power
“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”
Lincoln’s quote pinpoints a poignant truth authority reveals integrity. When life throws adversity our way, moral fiber may stay intact. But power intoxicates ego and corrupts judgment absent humility and restraint.
The trappings of authority have an inebriating effect. Control removed from oversight breeds arrogance and erodes principle. Attunement to ethical risks fades amidst the adrenaline rush of power’s momentum. Restraint recedes.
This tendency manifests across contexts:
CEOs insulated from criticism show increased tendencies toward deception and rule-breaking. One study found powerful CEOs were three times more likely to engage in illegal backdating of stock options.
Police officers rapidly assimilate socialized norms of in-group loyalty and avoidance of accountability. Whistleblowers are ostracized while abuses get covered up.
Political dynasties like the Kennedys demonstrate how power becomes self-reinforcing over generations. Name recognition and connections crowd out opportunities for new talent.
Even arbitrarily giving someone power in a psychology experiment makes them more likely to stereotype others. Authority shapes our fundamental social perceptions.
Where True Authority Resides
History offers positive examples too leaders who wielded power with humility to serve society. What set figures like Lincoln, Gandhi, and Mandela apart? A few key principles:
Selfless purpose: They focused squarely on the greater good rather than personal glory. This oriented their actions with pragmatic humility despite the pressures of authority.
Connectedness: Staying anchored in community and spirituality kept them grounded rather than isolated at the top. This allowed retaining empathy amid power’s privileges.
Appealing to conscience: They led by inspiring peoples’ higher angels through rational, ethical arguments, not fear or false promises. This built lasting change.
Commitment to institutions: They reinforced democracy and due process, concentrating on reforms over dismantling systems. This durability arose from character more than force.
Cultivating Centeredness
Becoming citizens and leaders able to constructively respond to power’s tests requires self-awareness and moral commitment. A few habits help strengthen integrity:
Remain vigilant against arrogance and regularly check your motivations. Does service or mere ego drive you?
Exercise authority through empowerment. Leadership should distribute freedom, not curtail it.
Avoid tribalism and stay open to critiques. Dissenting views provide crucial perspective.
Use whatever power you hold to uplift human dignity. Recognize the shared struggles behind all labels.
With malice toward none, may we all practice compassion in each action we take. And through inner resolve, earn the power to shape realities greater than ourselves. That is where true authority resides.