Power: DeMarco Banter

“The measure of a man is what he does with power.”
–Pittacus

Pittacus ( /ˈpɪtəkəs/; Ancient Greek: Πιττακός; c. 640–568 BC) was the son of Hyrradius and one of the Seven Sages of Greece. He was a native of Mytilene and the Mytilenaean general who, with his army, was victorious in the battle against the Athenians and their commander Phrynon. In consequence of this victory the Mytilenaeans held Pittacus in the greatest honour and presented the supreme power into his hands. After ten years of reign he resigned his position and the city and constitution were brought into good order.

When the Athenians were about to attack his city, Pittacus challenged their General to a single combat, with the understanding that the result should decide the war, and much bloodshed be thereby avoided. The challenge was accepted, and he killed his enemy with a broad sword. He was then chosen ruler of his city and governed for ten years, during which time he made laws in poetry—one of which was to this effect: “A crime committed by a person when drunk should receive double the punishment which it would merit if the offender were sober.” His great motto was : “Do not do to your neighbor what you would take ill from him.” (The Golden Rule)

Not all leaders are like Pittacus…Personal Power Leaders might choose to abuse their power…John Maxwell notes there is a “Path to Abusive Power” in leaders… it looks like this:

STAGE ONE: Surprise—“I get this?”
STAGE TWO: Self-Esteem— “I NEED this.”
STAGE THREE: Satisfaction— “I DESERVE this!”
STAGE FOUR: Selfishness— “I DEMAND this.”

Calvin Miller former Beeson Divinity School professor at Samford University, says it normally appears in this way…
First abusive leaders begin drifting away from those disciplines they still demand in others, next they begin believing that others owe them something. This is quickly followed by abusive leaders trying to “fix things up” as opposed to making things right. Next we see these leaders refusing to accept that they are blindly out of God’s will and finally we see them believing people in their way are simply expendable.

Remember as you gain power… and influence as a leader… You are accountable.