According to David W. Johnson (2009), power is “The ability to influence and control others while resisting their influence and control.” Based on this definition, in some direct or indirect way, everyone has power. However, some have more power than others or a better ability to influence others. Therefore, I believe power is a personal and relationship attribute. For example, a parent and child relationship shows how both parties have their share of power. The parent influences the child with rules, education and love. A child influences a parent when sick, with his/her actions and so forth.
However, power is also a personal attribute. This does not mean that all people are born with it. I know we (people) are all different in many aspects; some people have more charisma to influence than others. Because of their personality and interest this type of people develop leadership skills. Therefore, these skills can be developed via many means such as money, knowledge, abilities, networking and more.
In my mind, having power should not be one’s ultimate goal. It is more important to know how to use power constructively while keeping a clear understanding and connection of others affected by your decisions.
Sources
Johnson, David. Joining Together Group Theory and Group Skills. 10th. ed. New York, NY: Pearson/Merrill, 2009. 217-261. Print.
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