Powerful Performance

Chapter 11

Using Power Ethically

As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.

—Bill Gates

The ninth step to ethical power–Use power ethically

The ninth step to ethical power is to use power ethically. Be empathic to other people’s circumstances, and avoid manipulating them, which is self-defeating anyway. Recognize the role of trauma in others and the impact on their approach to power. Learning to forgive others and to deal with our own past trauma is important, when confronting people who are negative, overbearing, or manipulative.

Introduction

Consider the following account, from a conference delegate, about a lunch conversation he was involved in:

At lunchtime, a fellow delegate tried to make conversation ...