Here, then. Power resides where men believe it resides. No more and no less.
Game of Thrones, Season 2 Episode 3 “What Is Dead May Never Die”
So power is a mummer’s trick?
A shadow on the wall, Varys murmured, yet shadows can kill. And ofttimes a very small man can cast a very large shadow.
Maybe Game of Thrones isn’t the leadership literature you expected, but it might be what you need. Many people can recognize their work environment in this exchange between Varys and Tyrion (and many other series episodes). Power is a story that people tell themselves. It is not an absolute truth.
The Consequences of Challenging Power
Challenging the status quo can lead to unwanted consequences for yourself or your group. In Game of Thrones, this often means literal bloodshed and loss of life. It might mean conflict with colleagues or superiors, disciplinary action, or strained relationships.
If you don’t have a lot of power, you exaggerate power. If you have a lot of power, you conceal power.
Yuval Noah Harari
Understanding the Nature of Power
Who’s my ‘master’? Whoever controls what you desire or dislike.
Epictetus
We decide where power resides and who has control over us. It could be our manager, trainer, neighbour, colleague or cigarettes. You don’t want to give more power to someone or something you dislike simply because they occupy your thoughts. Nor do you want to hand over power to those who have what you desire.
Power must reside somewhere. It’s rarely concentrated entirely in one person (and should it be?). Power is distributed both formally and informally. Most power is used to serve others. When you feel someone is exercising power over you, ask yourself: are they truly exerting power over you, or is it the power you’ve given them?
