Use your power wisely
Everyone has power. Some people appear to have more power in a company than others, but the truth we all have power over ourselves and how we treat others.
Those who are insecure use their power to make others feel small or incompetent or even worse, to make others look incompetent by telling the company leadership half truths or even lies. It’s so sad. It’s also infuriating if you’re the one being thrown under the bus. (Ah, another corporate phrase, but I love this one. I almost brought 5 toy buses to a meeting to hand them out because each of them had thrown me under a bus that week. I didn’t, but the idea made me laugh and that felt good.)
So two points to consider-
- If you’re being treated poorly, use your power wisely. Stay mature, calm and focused. Find ways to defend yourself without appearing defensive.
- Use your power wisely when it comes to interacting with your direct reports and colleagues. Help others to succeed, be compassionate when someone has a difficult situation at home or at work, help others in whatever way feels right. Be present with them and honor what they’re going through, that’s real power.