Issue 207, April 10, 2025
We are intrigued by the uneasy balance between power and force – a debate that has recently become a focus of the American dialogue. This cultural conversation is underscored by author David Hawkins who wrote the insightful “Power vs. Force.” According to Hawkins, there’s an important distinction: “True power uplifts and serves the whole, while force demands justification and serves the few.”
Here’s a simple way to think about it. Would you rather be empowered or enforced? Do you respect others who are powerful or forceful? Do highly effective role models lead with power or by force? It all depends on the situation and the leader – and is validated (or not) by those who are led.
Need a power positioning primer? Get our book The Truth About Transformation and/or review our piece from 2023, Are You Subject to Power Plays?
Power vs. Force
Simply stated, power is internal, and force is external. Power stems from influence, integrity, vision, and values. It creates ali…
