Use and Abuse of Power

The Beginnings Workshop curriculum unit, “Power Struggles,” addresses the issue of power in early childhood settings.  The last two books I have read dealt with power in ways that have implications for leaders in the early childhood community.  The books were biographies of Abraham Lincoln (Team of Rivals) and Lance Armstrong (Wheelman) and offered these comparisons:

Resilience.  Both Lincoln and Armstrong experienced sustained periods of stress and despair.  Lincoln responded by keeping his eyes firmly focused on the long-term goals of reuniting the nation and freeing the slaves, and by using humorous stories to relieve tension.  Armstrong dealt with periods when his use of drugs was challenged by using his celebrity to bolster his steadfast denials and focusing attention on his efforts to support cancer victims.

Ambiguity.  Lincoln actively sought out differences of opinion to strengthen his decision-making.  His cabinet was composed of his leading opponents for the presidency from both parties.  He tolerated, and learned from, conflict in his cabinet. In fact he thrived with his deep personal relationships with people with differing views.  Armstrong, on the other hand, quickly dismissed and punished anyone who disagreed with him assuming his celebrity was such that the public would always believe his version of events.

Honesty.  The label “Honest Abe” was not a manufactured campaign logo, but had its roots in the fact that Lincoln was not a devious person — when he made a pledge, he maintained it, when he made an assessment, he meant it.  And, over the years this honesty gained Lincoln high respect among supporters and critics as well.  On the other hand, Armstrong’s entire life was built on lies — lies supported with threats, bribes, and distractions over his support for cancer victims.  

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