My History of Power

¶ … History of Power

My community, school, and family have shaped my power in various ways. Being an only child has forced me to be independent and motivated. My family has always been a loving and supportive one affording me the tools necessary to be successful in my personal relationships and interactions with others. School has provided a learning atmosphere built on strong leadership training, developed focus, and learning to be proud of even the smallest achievement. These factors (school & home) have in turn contributed to the shaping of my power by providing the most fundamental and necessary tools needed to develop ones power. The community has allowed me to create my independence and sense of good will towards my fellow man/woman. Power can be seen in various facets of ones life and in various strengths. In my family, my power is not as great considering my parents, there is limited power, however I am granted a substantial amount. Another word for power is trust; this is something that must be earned through commitment determination and patients. As I have gotten older, my parents have given me the opportunity to have more independence, which in its own right is also equal to power. Through my development, maturity and getting older you learn what things are expectable in society and in the privacy of your own home. This in turn has kept me from doing things that would have resulted in losing my power i.e. through going to jail, through detentions in school, or any kind of behavioral reprimands for inappropriate use or misuse of power.

My best power plays are displayed at work and school. In work as I have progressed over time and proven my abilities, I have gained more authority (another form of power) over other employees and myself. By proving my ability to take on more and more responsibility at work I have been given more power which in turn allow me to make more decisions and delegate responsibilities to other employees.

Fortunately, there are not many instances that I can call missed power opportunities. However, it is possible that there could have been more opportunities for increased power in all facets of my life. If I show more maturity, it is possible that I can gain more power at home. In school if I continue to excel and be responsible for my work and actions, this too is an opportunity for more power. If I become more active in my community, by participating in various community activities and by working in conjunction with community officials (people that have power within the community) may afford me opportunities to gain more power in the community.

Power strengths include the knowledge to know how to use my power in the proper manner without taking advantage of the power earned. The ability to give power away when necessary, there are often instances when power struggles may occur. Fortunately, I have the knowledge that allows me to be able to give some power in an effort to combat conflict. Weaknesses include the inability to understand the full potential of my power at this time. Though I recognize the importance of power, how one gains power as well as how it is possible to misuse power, I have not yet truly figured out how to use all of my powers to the fullest potential.