Do you have power, or does power have you?

As a leader you either have power, or the power has you.

What do I mean by that?

As soon as you get into a management role, you get some formal authority. The amount is determined by the company you work in.

Now you can either use this power and authority to drive positive change, or you can sit on it, and only use it to remain where you are. The later one is when power has you, and when it has corrupted you.

If you are only in a leadership/management role for the title and the formal authority, and are not driven to improve your organization and help the people you are responsible for, then you are in the wrong place.

What I am saying here:

Use your authority wisely and for the right initiatives. Think about the circle of control we have talked before.

What I am not saying:

Use your authority to justify your behavior or others.