Power and Character

"Power corrupts.  Absolute power corrupts absolutely".  John Acton wrote those words in 1887. Seems that these past few years have pulled the curtain way, way back on how we human beings handle power.  With power comes privilege and with privilege comes great responsibility.  The problem is that when we attain power, many of us lose our bearings.  It is a huge character test.  Do we hold fast to our ideals about fairness and  democracy, setting in place an environment where people without power can speak their truth?  Or, do we impose our will on others, listening only to those who agree with us.  In psychology we refer to this as group think.   We see it in Washington, on Wall Street and yes, sports venues around the world.  Group think occurs when people who passively nod approval are promoted while those who respecfully disagree are disenfranchised and excluded.  I would suggest to Pat Bowlen as he searches for his next head coach, that he take a long hard look at the character card.  Players do not perform at peak levels under the leadership of coaches who use their power to belittle, threaten, or intimidate their players.  Don't get me wrong, fear based leadership can work to a point, but people/athletes will only truly excel in environments where there is abiding respect, trust and value placed on individual opinions (even when those opinions differ from the coach).  At the risk of being repetitive, negative reinforcement and fear will only take you so far.  Positive reinforcement and respect will create an environment where magic can happen and where players become empowered, players that will go to war for you. Great coaches and great leaders know this truth.  Put me in a locker room where there are crickets chirping after the coach asks for input and I'll make a prediction on where that team is heading.  Put me in a locker room that buzzes with the energy of a hundred unique and valued voices...and you've got my attention.