Friday, May 20, 2011

Friday Loose Bloggers Consortium: Power

Yikes, is it Friday already? Why, yes it is, and today's topic is "power". Whenever I think about power, a scripture from our LDS Doctrine and Covenants comes to mind:

"We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion." Doctrine and Covenants 121:39

This is quite similar to the old saying, "Absolute power corrupts absolutely" (Did I get that right?) It truly is the nature and disposition of men that when they get a little power, they begin to enjoy controlling and commanding others, simply for the enjoyment of having them obey. Some people even micromanage others. How can a person maintain authority without becoming controlling?

I have been put i positions of authority that forced me to have to be the one in control, even though that is not a comfortable position for me. But I think my own weaknesses as a person have made me feel inadequate, and have kept me from feeling that I "know it all", or that I have absolute say in all things. My own weaknesses and concern about doing the right thing have made me want the opinion of others, and have made me want others to do their own part so I won't have to do it myself! With power comes great responsibility, and I personally want as much input as possible to make sure that when I'm in charge, my decisions have been well informed!

Now go check out what the other consortium members have to say about this issue!

6 comments:

Conrad said...

Beautiful! I would disagree from the outside about some of what you've said, though. When I read what you say and see what you understand and see how you react ... I see a keen and active mind at work. Seriously, I think the reason you feel like you "don't know it all" is not because of any inadequacy but a natural humility and grace in you, fantastic qualities.

OK, whatever office you are up for, you have my vote!

Delirious said...

lol Thanks Conrad

That humility is forced upon me out of sheer fear of the task ahead of me. I have just launched on a new venture in a church assignment, and although I've done it before, it always takes the winds out of my sails a bit. :)

Grannymar said...

Hurray, you are human and surely that helps you to see more clearly where others are coming from and how best to lead them.

Inklings said...

I feel exactly as you do when I have those kinds of assignments. But this brings to mind the scene between Dumbledore and Harry when Dumbledore tells him he decided against seeking the position of the Minister of Magic because he realized that he could not handle having power. He tells Harry that those who are thrust into it and do not want it are the only ones who should have power.
I think Dumbeldore hit a lot of nails right on the head!

Mr. Giggles said...

Oddly enough, I began a series of posts tonight on what I call Power Principles. You can check it out at my No Apologies blog....

Max Coutinho said...

Hey D!

"(..) almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion."

You know it! Look at Mr. Swarzenegger, for example: what is that? And I am not even going to mention the head of the IMF and his latest scandal.

Power is good yet a lonely place to be in. The challenge is to be powerful and yet keep one's values intact - not many can do that.

Cheers