Power vs. Force

A major figure in my leadership education was Dr. David Hawkins, MD. Hawkins studied consciousness from both a psychological and spiritual perspective, striving for a non-dualistic concept of selfhood. In Power vs. Force, which I read in the late 90s, Hawkins synthesized his findings in the Map of Consciousness. Borrowing from both Einstein and quantum physics, Hawkins recognized that everything is energy; self and world are made of the same material. This means that the way we think, talk, and act–how we are–has an effect on the world around us. The higher the levels of consciousness from which one operates, the more powerful the energy one projects.

20 years later, while studying Robert J. Anderson and William A. Adams’ Leadership Circle Profile, I discovered an interesting parallel with Hawkins’ theories. In Scaling Leadership and Mastering Leadership, Anderson and Adams write about Creative (power-based) and Reactive (force-based) leadership. Power is positive, creative, anabolic energy, whereas force is reactive and catabolic. Good outcomes are possible utilizing each style, but using force comes at a big energetic price, often felt in culture, engagement, and even performance. In other words, you might be able to strong-arm a colleague into going with your plan, but in doing so you will create a distrustful and adversarial relationship. If, on the other hand, you convince them through persuasion, you not only get what you want–you earn an ally.

When we operate from a place of Power, or higher consciousness, it means we have mastered the ability to balance the tension between relating and achieving. We understand that sustainable, scalable, leadership is more aware and interested in managing tensions than solving problems. We are guided not by short-term desires but by broad values, which lead to decisions that have a positive impact on all stakeholder groups.

As leaders, one of our primary responsibilities is to continue to evolve and assist our organizations to reach higher levels of consciousness. We do this by:

1. Expanding Awareness
2. Activating Dormant Capacities
3. Applying Insights

These practices gradually build a culture that believes in Power rather than Force. By coaching ourselves and our colleagues toward higher levels of consciousness, we harness creative energy and create solutions that work for all.

If you’re interested in tapping into your higher consciousness, send me an email at [email protected].