History makes one thing clear: power is a double-edged sword. Being in a position of authority is a bit like eating broccoli—in the right dose, it can be good for you (and everyone else). Overdo it, though, and the side effects can clear a room and leave you pretty unpopular.
Of course, not everyone lets authority go to their head. Some leaders— Nelson Mandela, Abraham Lincoln, Jacinda Ardern—used power to drive progress and inspire generations. Others… well, they leaned into tyranny, wielding influence for personal gain and leaving wreckage in their wake.
So why the split? Why do some people seem born knowing that with great power comes great responsibility, while others go full Henry VIII the moment they get a taste of authroity? Power itself is addictive: the respect, the influence, the ability to tell others what to do and what not to do. It’s no wonder it sometimes goes to people’s heads. That doesn’t mean power always corrupts—but it does mean it reveals different sides of different people.
Our research suggests that certain traits may predispose people to misuse authority if they’re put in charge:
- Competitiveness
- A need to control
- A self-serving or selfish view of power
This craving for power and control doesn’t come without fallout. “Power trippers” tend to have rocky professional and personal relationships. They’re also less satisfied in their jobs and often see power not as a tool, but as the very key to success.
In other words, the power-hungry often believe that climbing into a position of authority will finally give them the respect, status, and validation they crave. The question is: does it actually deliver?
Power is a mirror: it reflects what you value most. We found that people who treat it as a personal prize behave very differently from those who see it as a responsibility. And the contrast was eye-popping:
- 98% of people who want power for selfish reasons see it as a way to improve their social status (compared to 8% of the responsible group).
- 88% believe that doing their best is not good enough—they need to be the best (compared to 26% of the responsible group).
- 96% hate being outperformed by others (compared to 31% of the responsible group).
- 81% believe that being in a position of power is the only way to gain respect (compared to 1% of the responsible group).
- 96% believe that being in a position of power means that they are superior to others (compared to 1% of the responsible group).
- And of course, only 29% of people who want power for selfish reasons would put the needs of others ahead of their own, compared to 83% of the responsible group.
Holding a position of power doesn’t automatically make you a leader—and it certainly doesn’t grant you charisma. In fact, the more you rely on “because I said so,” the faster your influence erodes. People might obey, but they’ll do it grudgingly, and resentment builds.
Think of power like the Force—use it wisely, keep it balanced, and don’t go full Darth Vader if you want people to actually follow you.
Power trips are optional. Coaching helps you turn authority into real influence—without the drama. Book a 20-minute free consulation to learn more about our coaching programs for leaders.