"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character. give him power" --Abraham Lincoln.
In the political arena and in leadership on a whole now greater words have been spoken. I think that power corrupts and leaves a desire for more power, a desire to not give up that power, the perks, the control, the feeling of superiority and almost being above the law. It is very human to want power or to be in control but power isn't for just anyone, it can have a very negative effect on who you are.
A great leader has a strong mental aptitude and is selfless, I think think that is the only way that power won't affect someone. If they themselves seek out the best interests of others and put the needs and feelings of others before their own it will keep them grounded and humble. After all leadership is about service, you need to be able to take care of the desires of your followers, keep them happy and motivated.
A perfect example right here at home of how power can corrupt and make you not want to give it up is happening right now in T&T where the Opposition Party held their general election recently and the leader of the oppositon lost and for nothing would he admit defeat, he lacks the humility and grace of a great leader. Where is his character? A great leader knows when to give up, when pass on the baton and a great leader grooms and supports his succesor (how many leaders even do this? Think local politics and private business).
Examples of great leaders who didn't succumb to power (just a few of my personal favourites in no particular order): Nelson Mandela, Michael Jordan, Bill Gates, Martin Luther King Jr, John F. Kennedy.
Prime examples of leaders who abused their power: Adolf Hitler, Hugo Chavez, Kim Jong Il. Our local favourites Patrick Manning and Basdeo Panday.
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