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In the modern world, two leaders were very population – one in Europe and the other in Asia. In Europe, Adolf Hilter used the emotions of people in the context of the loss of Germany in the First World War to come to power in Germany. He stood with all adversities from building consensus among people to fighting elections in Germany. Similarly, in Asia, Mahatma Gandhi came to India in 1916 and traveled across India to understand properly. He faced adversities and challenges from the Indian leaders as well as the Britishers.
However, in both stories, one thing is common i.e., both stood with adversity. But their character was tested once they achieved power. When Hitler achieved power, he used propaganda against Jews and prosecuted them in the Gas chamber. He created chaos in Germany on racial notions. However, when Mahatma Gandhi achieved power, he directed the Indian National movement towards the freedom movement. His ideas of non-violence and satyagraha have not only made India independent but also made India one of the most successful democracies in third-world countries.
Understanding power character dynamics
What does it present? – It presents an insight into human nature. It suggests that while people may demonstrate resilience when faced with hardship, their true character is revealed when they are placed in positions of power or privilege. Adversity often exposes a person’s capacity to endure and cope, but power reveals their inner moral compass, ethics, and principles.
Now question is why sometimes divergences are seen in power and character? – The power Paradox theory illustrates the paradoxical effects that power has on individuals. The central idea of the Power Paradox is that power is often gained by demonstrating empathy, cooperation, and social intelligence. Once individuals attain power, these very traits tend to diminish, and they may adopt behaviors such as dominance, self-interest, and a lack of empathy.
Finding footprints of power-character relations across the spectrum
Power enables individuals to impose their will on others, but with that comes the temptation to exploit it for personal gain, indulge in excesses, or disregard the well-being of others. Leaders who started with noble intentions often became tyrants when they were entrusted with absolute power. For example, Napoleon Bonaparte initially rose to prominence as a revolutionary hero, yet his eventual embrace of dictatorial control led to countless abuses of power.
However, The capacity to make ethical decisions is one of the hallmarks of strong character. Power often forces individuals to make decisions that will affect not just themselves but many others as well. For example Pundit Nehru in India despite the immense political power and influence he could have gained, remained committed to democracy. It made the one-party dominance of the Indian National Congress different from the one-party system of China. His moral integrity allowed him to remain a leader who fought not for power itself but for justice and the common good.
Similarly, Power, in many ways, is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, radical leaders in the Texas state of the USA supported racial discrimination against blacks. For this, they had formed “Jim Crow Laws”. While on the other hand, the civil rights leaders of the 1960s in the United States, such as Martin Luther King Jr., exercised their influence not for personal gain but to fight systemic injustice. King’s leadership demonstrated that true power lies in serving others with dignity and respect. These two contrasting stories show two different characters.
Contemporary relevance power-character notion
During pandemic times, different states across the world used power differently. On the one hand, China used coercive means to get geopolitical benefits out of the pandemic. In this process, China gave COVID-19 vaccines in accordance with geopolitical benefits. However, on the other hand, India had provided HCQ tablets and COVID-19 vaccines to the world indiscriminately. These two examples show two different characters of China and the USA in the context of the use of power.
Similarly, some countries like Hungary misused as an opportunity to end democracy. Like that, Israel under Benjamin Netanyahu also undermined the judiciary in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in contrast, Indian leadership not only respected democracy but also helped the world in mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic. It shows that although all countries stood with the adversity of the pandemic but character of leadership was revealed in the process of exercise of power during the pandemic.
Not only power but other things also matter
It is true that power reveals the character of the leadership. However, power can’t be the sole criterion to read character. While power can reveal certain aspects of an individual’s behavior and decision-making, it is not a comprehensive measure of their character. For example, a manager in a company may make top-down decisions that prioritize profits over employee welfare. While this behavior might indicate their control over the organization, it doesn’t reveal whether they care about their employees’ well-being or possess a high moral standard.
True character is a product of one’s upbringing, experiences, education, and personal choices. It reflects how individuals engage with others on a daily basis. It also shows how they respond to challenges and how they treat people who are not in positions of power. Therefore, character is expressed in personal relationships, acts of kindness, and ethical decisions made in everyday situations – not just through the decisions one makes when given authority.
Ways to build character out of proper use of power
Making good use of power involves leveraging it in a way that benefits others, fosters ethical behavior, and promotes positive change. One of the most effective ways to use power is to empower those around you. Rather than consolidating power for personal gain, you can help others develop their skills, increase their confidence, and improve their opportunities. This creates an environment of shared power and fosters collective growth.
Along with these, Empathy and compassion help guide decisions that prioritize the well-being and dignity of others. This ensures that the exercise of power is aligned with ethical standards and promotes fairness. For instance, A political leader who considers the needs of marginalized communities and implements policies to support them demonstrates the power that aims for social good.
Similarly, As a leader or person in power, setting a positive example is crucial. This means practicing what you preach and demonstrating integrity, accountability, and ethical behavior. Your actions as a role model influence others, and how you use your power will inspire others to act responsibly and ethically. For instance, a CEO who follows through on promises remains transparent and maintains ethical standards sets a positive example for employees.
In conclusion, throughout history, we have seen both the positive and negative effects of power on individuals. Leaders who have used their power for the benefit of others, like Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi, have left lasting legacies, while those who have abused their power have often been remembered for their cruelty and exploitation.
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