Ambivalence and Perceived Risks in Pursuing Power

Key Insight

Many individuals experience significant apprehension about actively pursuing power, despite recognizing its necessity for achieving significant goals in most social organizations. These worries stem from concerns about the process of acquiring power, such as potentially offending others, pushing the boundaries of propriety and social norms, or being perceived as overly ambitious, individualistic, selfish, or Machiavellian. There is a fear of creating enemies or rivals, provoking jealousy, or experiencing a downfall likened to the 'nail that stands out gets hammered down' or the legend of Icarus flying too close to the sun.

While power is acknowledged as a strong motivational force, with studies indicating that power motivation predicts holding positions of power and displaying status artifacts, not everyone is equally driven by it. Some deliberately avoid seeking power due to these negative associations, creating an internal conflict. The response to such concerns emphasizes that their importance should be minimized, as power itself, once obtained, often resolves or diminishes many of these anticipated problems, including the means by which it was acquired.

However, it is also acknowledged that the acquisition of power increases both visibility and the likelihood of facing criticism. Yet, simultaneously, power fosters a greater willingness in others to overlook misdeeds and attracts more supporters who desire to align with influential figures. The counsel is to not overly fret about losing power until it has been successfully acquired, as the act of achieving it often entails breaking certain rules, which paradoxically can help establish that very power.