Power: What Lies Beneath

16Feb07

“There is nothing wrong with power if used correctly… What we need to realize is that power without love is reckless and abusive and love without power is sentimental and anemic. Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.”

– Martin Luther King, Jr.

As a campaign facilitator, I see groups constantly faced with nuances in strategy – those fuzzy lines around the “ends vs. the means” dance that seems to need constant re-assessment, if power is truly the aim of the group. By “power”, I mean actual impact on policy decisions – not just alot of media stories or rallies. But for many of us, after years of battling against the status quo, “power” is synonymous with “abuse”. It doesn’t have to be that way. But what is the ethical, right, smart way to deal with power? What lies at the core? How do we find that sweet spot where power comes from a place of integrity and goodness?

For me, it’s love. And no, I don’t actually run around saying that – certainly not in the average political strategy session! But I think love is what drives many – maybe most – social change folks. Yes, some are driven by anger, and woundedness, and a desire to lash out. In those cases, our job, as facilitators and coaches, is to help them connect with that deeper positive force.

Thanks to my American colleague Kevin for reminding me of this beautiful quote.

Filed under: Campaign Strategy, Social Change, strategic communications   |  1 Comment