The Power Paradox

The power paradox, a term coined by neuroscientist Sukhvinder Obhi, describes the phenomenon where the very skills that help us gain power are the ones we lose once we have it.

These skills include:

• Empathy
• Self-awareness
• Transparency
• Gratitude

When we are in a position of power, we can become less attuned to the needs and feelings of others. We can become more focused on our own agenda and less willing to listen to feedback. This can lead to a toxic work environment and poor decision-making.

The key to avoiding the power paradox is to remain grounded and to never lose sight of the qualities that helped you succeed in the first place. This means:

• Actively practicing empathy.
• Seeking out feedback and being open to criticism.
• Being transparent in your communications.
• Regularly expressing gratitude to your team.

By being mindful of the power paradox, we can become more effective and ethical leaders.