The power of saying thank you

[malaise]

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/may/22/the-power-of-saying-thank-you-the-power-paradox-daniel-keltner
<snip>
For the past 20 years I’ve put two ideas about power to the scientific test. The first is Machiavelli’s: “It is better to be feared than loved.” This thesis has not fared well in studies looking at who rises to power in organisations, schools, communities and military units. It isn’t the coercive, manipulative Machiavellian who rises to power. Instead it is the empathetic, generous person who reaches out to others who gains esteem and rises up the ranks.

Lord Acton’s observation that “power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” however, is confirmed time and time again. As we enjoy elevated power, we are more likely to eat impulsively, have sexual affairs, violate the rules of the road, lie, cheat, shoplift, take sweets from children and communicate in disrespectful ways.

Putting these two literatures together leads us to the power paradox. The socially intelligent practices that enable us to rise to power in the first place – empathy, sharing, open-mindedness, a focus on others – vanish when we get power. It isn’t just politicians, kings of high finance or drug-addled rock stars who are vulnerable to falls from power. The power paradox can undermine the social life of any of us.

How can we avoid losing power and enjoy enduring respect, esteem and influence? One clue comes from studies of those in power. When we gain power our attention shifts from a focus on others to what is gratifying for us, leading quickly to the abuse of power. Transcending the power paradox is therefore quite simple: just focus on the interests, humanity and dignity of the people around you.
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Discuss!

[Kip Humphrey]

1. I think the trap of power is when the powerful decide that they know better than those

that brought them to their seats of power. This is hubris.

[malaise]

2. What if they were only using the people to achieve power

and don't believe anything except 'get mine'.

[Kip Humphrey]

3. Then they pre-qualify as hubris filled and disqualify as empathetic dedicated civil servants

- both characteristics of republicons and republicrats. Back to your premise that one begins with empathy, for those I contend their empathy tends to become informed by hubris once in power - a change that far too many Democratic leaders fall for.

[bemildred]

4. People will behave better when they know they are being watched.

That includes everybody in the government. You want a better, honest government, there is the answer, surveillance of all government employees by citizens, they need to be watched.

[Wounded Bear]

6. A conscience is that little voice inside...

that says somebody is watching.

[Liberal_in_LA]

5. k&r