Power vs. Leadership

Power is the capacity to translate intention into reality and sustain it. Leadership is the wise use of this power.
I have worked for many powerful people but have had only a few good leaders. Power is easy to come by in the military with our rank structure. Finding good leaders is another thing.
I haven’t, in the past, pursued power. Often, though, I find myself in powerful positions and it challenges me to be a good leader. Right now I’m an instructor often teaching young servicemembers the craft of journalism. Our specialty in the military is highly sought after and our school is tough. There are many times when a student won’t grasp the material and I’m forced to eliminate them. That’s a lot of power – I’ll literally change their lives. They joined the military to be journalists and they’re going to end up being a military policeman or fuel specialist because of a decision I’ll make. The power came with the job. Leadership for me is how I use that power. How much I’m going to work with that student to give them the best chance of success. How I’m going to conduct myself with him as a noncommissioned officer and a mentor. These are all what make me a leader in the classroom. I don’t take my role lightly.