STORM2K

Ever notice how some people get power and can't handle it. Others use power to bring out the best in others.

Remember a case where I went to traffic school taught by a State Police officer in Illinois.

I asked him a question...."Hypothetically, what would happen if I was passing a large truck, had to speed up to get around him safely (rather than drive in his blind spot), and then pulled in front of him as you shot the radar gun at me. Could I make an argument for not getting a ticket?"

"You can argue, but the law is the law and I"m the one with the gun."

Needless to say I reported him to his supervisor after the class.

Any power crazy people crossed your path?

Yes, I had a maintenance boss at a Sleep Inn where I worked here in Roa Rpds and he never gave me the 'time of day' was often insulting me and acting like a *whatever*...he probably just didn't understand me (that was before my dx with Asperger's)! A few days later I'd had enough and turned in a letter of resignation...and reported this guy to the hotel GM, also!

I've had/have some wonderful bosses (like my present job)...but just had TOO much conflict of personality with that particular supervisor.

Eric

Power can either be used in a constructive way or be abused.

As an ex-cop, I learned early that the "authority" I had was by far outweighed by the RESPONSIBILTY of wielding it.

Most of my colleagues forgot that over time; I didn't.

Did you ever hear the saying, "Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac?!

The use of power and a large monetary windfall are two ways to see a persons character real quick.

streetsoldier wrote:As an ex-cop, I learned early that the "authority" I had was by far outweighed by the RESPONSIBILTY of wielding it.

Most of my colleagues forgot that over time; I didn't.

Bill, we all know that you're truly in a class of your own!

I've had nursing supervisors that were out to show us all
how "talented" they were in intimidation tactics. Every one
of them no longer hold those positions.

breeze wrote:

streetsoldier wrote:As an ex-cop, I learned early that the "authority" I had was by far outweighed by the RESPONSIBILTY of wielding it.

Most of my colleagues forgot that over time; I didn't.

Bill, we all know that you're truly in a class of your own!

I've had nursing supervisors that were out to show us all
how "talented" they were in intimidation tactics. Every one
of them no longer hold those positions.

Annette, at the hospital here in my city...the nursing supervisors have been known to toss out patient test results...something like that I've heard in the past. Halifax Regional Medical Center isn't the most reputable facility in NC obviously!

Eric, it's only a matter of time before they,
themselves, get tossed out, too!

People that abuse power are ultimately doomed by the environment they create. All you have to do is remain patient

mf_dolphin wrote:People that abuse power are ultimately doomed by the environment they create. All you have to do is remain patient

I agree with you there Marshall. However I think about a guy I worked with 30 years ago who had been accepted to the Police Acadamy here in Houston. I asked him why he wanted to be a policeman and his answer floored me and he didn't hesitate when he said "so I can kill N*****s. Looking back I know I should have found a way to report him, but I didn't. But talking about ABUSE OF POWER if it ever happened. SCARY!!!!!

My gosh david. That sure is a scary statement.

And that is well stated Marshall!!

David that stentiment is exactly what I grew up with in South Africa..... except there it got even worse as you went up the political chain. Most of the politicians during apartheid were terrible tyrants, well known to abuse anyone who was in there way...

mf_dolphin wrote:People that abuse power are ultimately doomed by the environment they create. All you have to do is remain patient

What goes around, comes around!

Hopefully you're there to witness it happen, but it does work - I've experienced first hand.

The use of power and a large monetary windfall are two ways to see a persons character real quick.

Absolutely! "Absolute power corrupts absolutely!"

Power can either be used in a constructive way or be abused.

Is it me, or does it seem there's more that abuse it than uses it constructively?

I think it's a case of the personality type that seek power. Some of the greatest leaders in history didn't seek power but had it thrust upon them by circumstances. Those that strive to obtain power often feel a need to wield it. Not a good combination....

mf_dolphin wrote:I think it's a case of the personality type that seek power. Some of the greatest leaders in history didn't seek power but had it thrust upon them by circumstances. Those that strive to obtain power often feel a need to wield it. Not a good combination....

I think that you're right about that!

It's such ashame when people abuse their power. Too much power for some can corrupt.

mf_dolphin wrote:I think it's a case of the personality type that seek power. Some of the greatest leaders in history didn't seek power but had it thrust upon them by circumstances. Those that strive to obtain power often feel a need to wield it. Not a good combination....

Like when Hitler overthrew the chancellor.