There is the old saying that "Absolute power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely." We each, as parents, teachers, administrators, those with financial power, those who are elected, and those with the power of the vote, need to be careful in how we wield our power. If we don't provide avenues for the best ideas to rise to the top and if we dismiss others or the ideas of others without power simply because we can, then as a family, as an organization, as a community, as a state, as a nation, we are doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past.
In our dealing with power, I'm sure that we are, as Maggie Craddock suggests, influenced by our first system of power, our families. However, I really don't think that most families are as dysfunctional as Power Genes would suggest. We do have choice. In part, the key is to nourish the idea that every person is valuable and deserving of respect---even when they are different from us---even if their skin is of a different color---even if they are uneducated or poor or have a different political philosophy. If we hold on to this concept, then we will treat others fairly and we won't abuse the power that is ours to wield.
Alan, I too don't think that most families are as dysfunctional as Ms. Craddock thinks they are. I guess it depends on how well our families handled or valued power, change, honesty, etc.
Alan, I agree with you that we need to be aware of wielding our power. It is when people in power forget how they are effecting the lives of others, that corruption and scandal occur. Even for those of us without much power, we can directly effect other's days and lives by how we wield our power.
I have had bosses who have welded their power to the absolute harm of good educators who had to leave the building and go work for another school district. When people like that don't realize how they affect professional or maybe they do know and just don't care, there is something wrong with that person.
I have found that I have to be very careful in dealing with some sped kids because they will fight anything they perceive as power over them and it just turns into a total mess.
I do believe power is contagious. As educators, we need to empower our students to stand up for their beliefs and ideals. It’s pretty easy to overpower students and try to implant our values into them, but in the end the decisions and actions they make are due to the power instilled in them. Believing in the students and their ability to make powerful decisions that are right for them is what I hope to achieve.
I also agree with Alan, we must be careful how we wield our power; we can do more harm than good if not cautious. I see people who have let their status go to their heads and think they are all-powerful; they aren’t. I think of Hitler who was too powerful for a time, enough time to do much damage. In the end, he lost it all.
Jerrie, I agree with you that we need to empower students and instill values into them. We, as educators, have an amazing opportunity to make a difference in these student's lives. It is exciting to think that through the simple act of believing in them, that they can succeed.
I believe power is contagious. We only have to look at recent history to see examples. In the civil rights movement the minority people had no power, but when a select few such as Dr. Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks stood up and showed them what they could do, others followed. This empowerment led to great things. Some of those are de-degregation of schools, equal rights laws and amendments, and a better way of life for millions of people. I hope that in my job, I can show children the power they have inside themselves, and teach them to nurture it until it grows to its full potential. Furthermore I would like to teach them to use that power in positive ways to create a better future globally.
I am still on the fence with this question. I think power is contagious to some people, but not to all. I know we can look at past history and see how contagious power can be, but it is only contagious to those who want to be in control, be a leader and have power. For others, I see them more has followers that just want to make it through each day. Hopefully that makes sense.
Power is contagious. I have seen several of my students blossom when they realize that they have some power over their choices and decisions. Once a student realizes they can make a difference, they shot ahead.
Ashley - in some respects I agree with you about the followers. I know there are days when I just want to stay in my classroom and stay away from others. I do see some students like that also. They do not want anyone to "them". They want to coast through life and not cause any bumps. I often wonder what has happened in their lives for them to reach this point.
I maybe have a different take on “power is contagious” in that once a person has power they seem to be confident and exude this power. This power seems to persuade others to follow in their footsteps. I think this applies to political figures as well as others in the spotlight who seem to have people bending over backwards to either follow or be just like them, whether it be good or bad.
I believe power is contagious-I think we can set examples for others to take control of their lives and to help them realize they are the only ones that have that control. I also believe we can learn from others that have power over their lives, so that we might be able to get power over parts of our own life. This maybe not make sense, but it's a personal issue that I am dealing with-I have realized this from this book and am trying to make better.
Alan-I agree with not all families are disfunctional-not all families are the same, just as we are as individuals. I feel we were raised by parents that didn't have the "internet" to go to for tips, I think I turned out OK. We can all learn from our childhood and make changes as we see fit and determine what we feel is right. Laura-I believe that some political figures do have people bending over backwards to please that "powerful" figure-do you think it's because they are looking for gratification/power themselves? Just a thought.
Power is contagious - it can be contagious in a good way to empower people to dream and reach for goals and to realize that they matter. Like so many of you have stated it is fun to see young people realize that they have the power to succeed. Power can be contagious is a not so good way when people let that power go to their heads and don't care how they get the power as long as they benefit. Goes with Allan's quote: "power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.". I have seen people use their power to help others and they aren't intimidated to have those people succeed and join them in the power circle. And....I have seen people use power like a weapon.
Power is contagious in the sense you have to feel empowered and in control of your emotions if you are going to influence others. When you are operating on auto-pilot, become too emotional, or lack confidence in your abilities, you give your "power" to someone or something else. When in this state you are not able to influence or empower others.
Maybe true "empowerment is contagious". When we are most cognizant of our actions and their impact on others, we are best able to help them find their power and on down the line.
I believe power is contagious to some degree. For power that is in the negative sense, somewhere along the way someone is going to stand up for what is right. Although we are sinful by nature, I believe that all people have good in them and at some point when one person has trouble finding it the other will stand up. Power that is in the positive sense is very contagious. As the book says about inspirers, they have great charisma and their enthusiasm for a project is contagious. We feel empowered because of their positive enthusiasm.
I think power is contagious in certain situations. I agree with the others who have stated that we need to teach students to think for themselves and be less 'yes men' in a way because when they realize they have power of their own choices they can succeed greatly. I also think that very powerful people can cause others to be followers rather than speaking their own mind. I have found myself being more passive around others who are more boisterous and powerful. It seems easier that way, if that makes sense.
I agree. Once power trickles from one person to someone else and he/she becomes empowered to reach a goal, fight for a cause, etc., I think they’ll probably always continue to strive for the best. Once you’ve experienced success and what a few rungs up on the ladder is like, I don’t think anyone would truly enjoy moving back down to the bottom. Then, I think this cycle just sort of continues, whether that be for good or bad.
Karen~ The first person I thought of when you mentioned people not caring how they get power just so long as they benefit was Hitler. I think he was a PHENOMINAL leader, but completely used his power in the most horrific ways possible. Can you even imagine the possibilities that might have been had he used that type of position and authority for something good???
Alan~ I agree with your statement (and Craddock’s idea) that our family is a very influential factor in our power styles, how we cope with situations, etc. At least that’s the conclusion I’ve come to after reading this book and applying it to my own life. However, I also agree with you in that, I don’t think most families are quite as crazy as Power Genes would like us to believe…. You know what, though??? Oh my goodness, what if we WERE?! Everybody would definitely be writing their own books then, haha!
I agree with you about Hitler. Just think how the world could have been changed for the better if he had used his charisma for good and not evil. On the History Channel, there are programs all the time that teach about the advances in science that his Reich scientists were performing and some of those things were awesome. But again, for the bad, not the good.
Chapter 10-11 As I was reading this book and thinking about the case studies, I don’t fit in any of Craddock’s specific categories. I think: 1. I am a loyal person, 2. I have good networking skills, 3. I have empathy for others, 4. I have a good work ethic, 5. I am not afraid of conflict, 6. I am a loner-I don’t need to throw my power genes around-if I have any, 8. I am a team player to a certain extinct-I am not a follower, 9. I am dependable, and 10. I make others feel good.
I do agree with Craddock’s statement that power is contagious. It depends on the person in power; it depends on what is at stake. Remember the saying, “The squeaky wheel gets the oil.” Some people are negative and they use that negativity to gain power by adding to their group and getting more people to feel negative. Think about gangs, they feel the power when bullying or stealing, the more they do it, the more powerful they feel. In actuality they are really cowards! Knowledge is power! The more you know the more power you can exhibit when there are conflicts. Some people are driven to find the answers to questions, so in some ways this is contagious. I think about my brother-in-law because he is a great Sunday school teacher, but he was driven to read the Bible and study it because so many people say, “well the Bible says.” He decided to find out if it really stated all the things he was told. What about the Captain on the cruise ship that sunk, I bet he thought he was a powerful man, but when he needed that skill, he turned out to be a coward. This conversation could on and on!
Ms. Craddock makes the comment that “power is contagious” Do you agree or disagree and comment and why.
I agree that at times it is contagious. We can get caught up in emotions and follow a leader or group based on these emotions. This can be negative or positive. I think of Hitler and all the awful things he stood for. Look at the followers he had! I also think of good school leaders. If they get people on board then they can have a huge impact on students and morale.
When she started talking on page 197 about how we suppress out feelings/emotions, it really hit home in my personal life for the past couple of decades. To keep a calm environment around me and my kids, I had to bury feelings and try to placate everyone else around me to keep the peace. But now that I am no longer in that situation, I still find myself cornered by my mom on occasion, but am learning to deal with it. Reflecting instead of reacting first is such a good strategy when dealing with emotions and I hope I have/will prove that I've matured enough over the past couple years to use that strategy and to treat others just a little nicer.
I do believe that power is contagious. We all want to be in control at some given point in our lives if not all the time. I know I sure want to look like I am in control of what I am doing. When we appear to not have control people do not think positively of us and are more apt to criticize and point fingers vs. help out and help one to regain control of their circumstances.
Depending on the person welding the power I think that it could be. There are some who don't let others share the power and others who allow it to become contagious. Allowing others to have power is a great thing and can lead to amazing results.
I completely agree with your post. I have been in situations with both types of people, and for me, it is harder to speak my mind around those who do not like to share power.
There is the old saying that "Absolute power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely." We each, as parents, teachers, administrators, those with financial power, those who are elected, and those with the power of the vote, need to be careful in how we wield our power. If we don't provide avenues for the best ideas to rise to the top and if we dismiss others or the ideas of others without power simply because we can, then as a family, as an organization, as a community, as a state, as a nation, we are doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past.
ReplyDeleteIn our dealing with power, I'm sure that we are, as Maggie Craddock suggests, influenced by our first system of power, our families. However, I really don't think that most families are as dysfunctional as Power Genes would suggest. We do have choice. In part, the key is to nourish the idea that every person is valuable and deserving of respect---even when they are different from us---even if their skin is of a different color---even if they are uneducated or poor or have a different political philosophy. If we hold on to this concept, then we will treat others fairly and we won't abuse the power that is ours to wield.
Alan, I too don't think that most families are as dysfunctional as Ms. Craddock thinks they are. I guess it depends on how well our families handled or valued power, change, honesty, etc.
DeleteAlan, I agree with you that we need to be aware of wielding our power. It is when people in power forget how they are effecting the lives of others, that corruption and scandal occur. Even for those of us without much power, we can directly effect other's days and lives by how we wield our power.
DeleteI have had bosses who have welded their power to the absolute harm of good educators who had to leave the building and go work for another school district. When people like that don't realize how they affect professional or maybe they do know and just don't care, there is something wrong with that person.
DeleteI have found that I have to be very careful in dealing with some sped kids because they will fight anything they perceive as power over them and it just turns into a total mess.
I do believe power is contagious. As educators, we need to empower our students to stand up for their beliefs and ideals. It’s pretty easy to overpower students and try to implant our values into them, but in the end the decisions and actions they make are due to the power instilled in them. Believing in the students and their ability to make powerful decisions that are right for them is what I hope to achieve.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Alan, we must be careful how we wield our power; we can do more harm than good if not cautious. I see people who have let their status go to their heads and think they are all-powerful; they aren’t. I think of Hitler who was too powerful for a time, enough time to do much damage. In the end, he lost it all.
Jerrie, I agree with you that we need to empower students and instill values into them. We, as educators, have an amazing opportunity to make a difference in these student's lives. It is exciting to think that through the simple act of believing in them, that they can succeed.
DeleteI agree that empowering students is very important. We must teach them how to make good decisions and also to believe in their own abilities.
DeleteI believe power is contagious. We only have to look at recent history to see examples. In the civil rights movement the minority people had no power, but when a select few such as Dr. Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks stood up and showed them what they could do, others followed. This empowerment led to great things. Some of those are de-degregation of schools, equal rights laws and amendments, and a better way of life for millions of people.
ReplyDeleteI hope that in my job, I can show children the power they have inside themselves, and teach them to nurture it until it grows to its full potential. Furthermore I would like to teach them to use that power in positive ways to create a better future globally.
I am still on the fence with this question. I think power is contagious to some people, but not to all. I know we can look at past history and see how contagious power can be, but it is only contagious to those who want to be in control, be a leader and have power. For others, I see them more has followers that just want to make it through each day. Hopefully that makes sense.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. Some people really are followers and they never quite "catch" the leadership and power that are being dished out.
DeletePower is contagious. I have seen several of my students blossom when they realize that they have some power over their choices and decisions. Once a student realizes they can make a difference, they shot ahead.
ReplyDeleteAshley - in some respects I agree with you about the followers. I know there are days when I just want to stay in my classroom and stay away from others. I do see some students like that also. They do not want anyone to "them". They want to coast through life and not cause any bumps. I often wonder what has happened in their lives for them to reach this point.
I maybe have a different take on “power is contagious” in that once a person has power they seem to be confident and exude this power. This power seems to persuade others to follow in their footsteps. I think this applies to political figures as well as others in the spotlight who seem to have people bending over backwards to either follow or be just like them, whether it be good or bad.
ReplyDeleteI believe power is contagious-I think we can set examples for others to take control of their lives and to help them realize they are the only ones that have that control. I also believe we can learn from others that have power over their lives, so that we might be able to get power over parts of our own life. This maybe not make sense, but it's a personal issue that I am dealing with-I have realized this from this book and am trying to make better.
ReplyDeleteAlan-I agree with not all families are disfunctional-not all families are the same, just as we are as individuals. I feel we were raised by parents that didn't have the "internet" to go to for tips, I think I turned out OK. We can all learn from our childhood and make changes as we see fit and determine what we feel is right.
ReplyDeleteLaura-I believe that some political figures do have people bending over backwards to please that "powerful" figure-do you think it's because they are looking for gratification/power themselves? Just a thought.
Power is contagious - it can be contagious in a good way to empower people to dream and reach for goals and to realize that
ReplyDeletethey matter. Like so many of you have stated it is fun to see young people realize that they have the power to succeed. Power can be contagious is a not so good way when people let that power go to their heads and don't care how they get the power as long as they benefit. Goes with Allan's quote: "power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.". I have seen people use their power to help others and they aren't intimidated to have those people succeed and join them in the power circle. And....I have seen people use power like a weapon.
Power is contagious in the sense you have to feel empowered and in control of your emotions if you are going to influence others. When you are operating on auto-pilot, become too emotional, or lack confidence in your abilities, you give your "power" to someone or something else. When in this state you are not able to influence or empower others.
ReplyDeleteThis is so true. It is important to be aware of your Emotions and how they are affecting your actions.
DeleteMaybe true "empowerment is contagious". When we are most cognizant of our actions and their impact on others, we are best able to help them find their power and on down the line.
ReplyDeleteI believe power is contagious to some degree. For power that is in the negative sense, somewhere along the way someone is going to stand up for what is right. Although we are sinful by nature, I believe that all people have good in them and at some point when one person has trouble finding it the other will stand up. Power that is in the positive sense is very contagious. As the book says about inspirers, they have great charisma and their enthusiasm for a project is contagious. We feel empowered because of their positive enthusiasm.
ReplyDeleteI think power is contagious in certain situations. I agree with the others who have stated that we need to teach students to think for themselves and be less 'yes men' in a way because when they realize they have power of their own choices they can succeed greatly. I also think that very powerful people can cause others to be followers rather than speaking their own mind. I have found myself being more passive around others who are more boisterous and powerful. It seems easier that way, if that makes sense.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Once power trickles from one person to someone else and he/she becomes empowered to reach a goal, fight for a cause, etc., I think they’ll probably always continue to strive for the best. Once you’ve experienced success and what a few rungs up on the ladder is like, I don’t think anyone would truly enjoy moving back down to the bottom. Then, I think this cycle just sort of continues, whether that be for good or bad.
ReplyDeleteKaren~
The first person I thought of when you mentioned people not caring how they get power just so long as they benefit was Hitler. I think he was a PHENOMINAL leader, but completely used his power in the most horrific ways possible. Can you even imagine the possibilities that might have been had he used that type of position and authority for something good???
Alan~
I agree with your statement (and Craddock’s idea) that our family is a very influential factor in our power styles, how we cope with situations, etc. At least that’s the conclusion I’ve come to after reading this book and applying it to my own life. However, I also agree with you in that, I don’t think most families are quite as crazy as Power Genes would like us to believe…. You know what, though??? Oh my goodness, what if we WERE?! Everybody would definitely be writing their own books then, haha!
I agree with you about Hitler. Just think how the world could have been changed for the better if he had used his charisma for good and not evil. On the History Channel, there are programs all the time that teach about the advances in science that his Reich scientists were performing and some of those things were awesome. But again, for the bad, not the good.
DeleteChapter 10-11
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading this book and thinking about the case studies, I don’t fit in any of Craddock’s specific categories. I think: 1. I am a loyal person, 2. I have good networking skills, 3. I have empathy for others, 4. I have a good work ethic, 5. I am not afraid of conflict, 6. I am a loner-I don’t need to throw my power genes around-if I have any, 8. I am a team player to a certain extinct-I am not a follower, 9. I am dependable, and 10. I make others feel good.
I do agree with Craddock’s statement that power is contagious. It depends on the person in power; it depends on what is at stake.
Remember the saying, “The squeaky wheel gets the oil.” Some people are negative and they use that negativity to gain power by adding to their group and getting more people to feel negative.
Think about gangs, they feel the power when bullying or stealing, the more they do it, the more powerful they feel. In actuality they are really cowards!
Knowledge is power! The more you know the more power you can exhibit when there are conflicts. Some people are driven to find the answers to questions, so in some ways this is contagious. I think about my brother-in-law because he is a great Sunday school teacher, but he was driven to read the Bible and study it because so many people say, “well the Bible says.” He decided to find out if it really stated all the things he was told.
What about the Captain on the cruise ship that sunk, I bet he thought he was a powerful man, but when he needed that skill, he turned out to be a coward. This conversation could on and on!
Ms. Craddock makes the comment that “power is contagious” Do you agree or disagree and comment and why.
ReplyDeleteI agree that at times it is contagious. We can get caught up in emotions and follow a leader or group based on these emotions. This can be negative or positive. I think of Hitler and all the awful things he stood for. Look at the followers he had! I also think of good school leaders. If they get people on board then they can have a huge impact on students and morale.
When she started talking on page 197 about how we suppress out feelings/emotions, it really hit home in my personal life for the past couple of decades. To keep a calm environment around me and my kids, I had to bury feelings and try to placate everyone else around me to keep the peace. But now that I am no longer in that situation, I still find myself cornered by my mom on occasion, but am learning to deal with it. Reflecting instead of reacting first is such a good strategy when dealing with emotions and I hope I have/will prove that I've matured enough over the past couple years to use that strategy and to treat others just a little nicer.
ReplyDeleteI do believe that power is contagious. We all want to be in control at some given point in our lives if not all the time. I know I sure want to look like I am in control of what I am doing. When we appear to not have control people do not think positively of us and are more apt to criticize and point fingers vs. help out and help one to regain control of their circumstances.
ReplyDeleteDepending on the person welding the power I think that it could be. There are some who don't let others share the power and others who allow it to become contagious. Allowing others to have power is a great thing and can lead to amazing results.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your post. I have been in situations with both types of people, and for me, it is harder to speak my mind around those who do not like to share power.
Delete