The Dangers of Letting a Little Power Go to Your Head

The Dangers of Letting a Little Power Go to Your Head

We've all heard the phrase "power corrupts." History shows us time and again that when someone gains even a small amount of power or authority, it can quickly go to their heads and cause them to act irrationally, abusively, or dangerously. Even the tiniest bit of power over others seems to delude people into thinking they are far more important than they really are.

You may think that you would never let a leadership role or bit of authority get the best of you. But the reality is that the smallest amount of power can easily go to someone's head if they aren't vigilant. It's crucial to be self-aware of this tendency in human nature so that you can catch yourself before getting carried away with feelings of self-importance.

The Intoxicating Effects of Power

Why does power have such a corrupting influence over so many people, even when it's just a small amount? Social scientists have studied this phenomenon in depth and identified several reasons that power tends to go to people's heads:

• Power lowers inhibition and makes people feel invulnerable to consequences, leading them to act in ways they wouldn't normally.
• Power activates reward centers in the brain, giving people a mental and physical "high" from being in charge.
• Power reduces empathy and awareness of others' needs, making those with authority more self-focused.
• Power breeds feelings of entitlement and self-importance disconnected from one's actual talents or merits.

As Lord Acton famously stated, "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." While a little power doesn't necessarily corrupt absolutely, these intoxicating neurological and psychological effects make it extremely difficult for anyone to avoid letting it inflate their egos.

Beware the Little Tyrant

We might expect famous political leaders and CEOs to get carried away with their influence and importance. But the reality is that even everyday people with a small fiefdom of power can turn into petty tyrants at the drop of a hat. For example:

• A parent leading a neighborhood group who micromanages volunteers
• A social club president who criticizes members over tiny issues
• A head supervisor who nitpicks employees over minor mistakes
• A forum moderator who bans people for harmless comments

When people gain a leadership role, they often lose perspective. Past slights seem like reasons to get revenge. Tiny errors seem like major catastrophes deserving punishment. Their egos swell and they feel a strong impulse to throw their newfound weight around in unnecessary ways. This tendency persists across history and cultures, meaning that anyone can become drunk on their own power once given the chance.

Protecting Yourself from Power's Corrupting Influence

Very few people can avoid the tendency of letting even a little power go to their heads. So when you gain any small amount of authority or leadership, it's crucial to put safeguards in place to keep yourself grounded. Here are some tips:

Reflect on the Limits of Your Impact

One antidote to an inflated ego is reflecting on the bigger picture and relatively small role you truly play in the grand scheme of things. No matter how respected or authoritative your position, your sphere of direct control and influence has limits. For instance, the president of a home owners association or Little League coach is not actually as prominent and pivotal a leader as their titles might suggest to them in the heat of the moment. Such reflection can help anyone in a position of modest power remember that it’s easy to overestimate their own importance or indispensability whenever they issue orders others follow.

Empathize with “Subordinates”

It’s easy to stop seeing your power as coming with responsibility towards others, but rather as freedom to act however benefits you at the moment. When overseeing volunteers or employees, force yourself to consider their needs when making decisions rather than what works best for your own convenience or whims. Put yourself in their shoes and lead by the Golden Rule. This empathetic mindset makes self-serving abuses of power less likely, no matter how small your domain of authority may be.

Listen to Feedback and Criticism

There is nothing that punctures an inflated ego faster than listening sincerely to negative feedback from others – especially those who are subordinate to your position. Human nature means we actively avoid opinions threatening to our cherished self-image. So go against that tendency by actively soliciting constructive criticism from those impacted by your leadership then implement suggestions where reasonable. Just the act of considering others’ perspective helps any leader or manager check their own power trip. If you earnestly heed feedback, your risk of turning into a pompous, power-hungry jerk greatly recedes.

In the end, a vigilant, self-aware attitude is the best defense anyone can mount against the natural human tendency to let authority go to their heads. If you actively guard against self-importance, limit beliefs in the boundlessness of your control or wisdom, and compassionately heed others’ input, then gaining power needn’t gain you an inflated ego to match.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.