Power Hungry vs. Culture Hungry

The end finally arrived for embattled Jacksonville Jaguars Coach Urban Meyer last week after just 13 games. Meyer’s rapid demise stemmed largely from his inability to separate having power and using it appropriately to establish a culture.

When any leadership position becomes available, a question that often comes to mind is: How much control does this position entail?

But the best leaders aren’t power-hungry — they’re culture-hungry. And there is a huge distinction between these that not everyone understands.

Power Hungry vs. Culture Hungry

1. Power-hungry people love to gossip and talk behind the backs of others. Culture-hungry people are willing to have difficult conversations face to face and don’t shy away from necessary confrontation.

2. Power-hungry people always withhold information as they believe by controlling all the information, their power base rises. Culture-hungry people never use information as a tool, they are more than willing to share because it enables people to perform at a higher level.

3. Power-hungry people love to leak sensitive information to the press or other outlets. They want to control the narrative at all times. Meanwhile, culture-hungry people understand the importance of keeping company information in the company.

4. Power-hungry people think no rules apply to them. They violate the company’s policy on expenses, travel all because they are in charge. Culture-hungry people adhere to the same rules and standards set forth by the organization. They never violate team rules or view themselves as an exception.

5. Power-hungry people crush the creative process and hate every idea unless it comes from them. Culture-hungry people love new ideas, embrace mistakes as learning tools and always want to think in a divergent manner.

6. Power-hungry people hate hearing criticism and always look for ways to criticize others. They cling to their perception, never their reality. Culture-hungry people accept criticism as coaching. They are always looking for ways to improve.

7. Power-hungry people bully others. They often start a sentence reminding everyone they are in charge. Culture-hungry people never remind others of their authority — their leadership demonstrates their command.

8. Power-hungry people create conflict internally that only they can resolve. The more conflict, the more power, the thinking goes. Culture-hungry people want people working together resolving problems.

9. Power-hungry people love to say NO to everything. Culture-hungry people ask WHY?

10. Power-hungry people have a constant air of desperation, not peace and contentment because power never brings them lasting joy. Culture-hungry people love the process and use each day as a way to make progress.

11. Power-hungry people are selfish. They always put themselves above the team. Culture-hungry people love teamwork and never allow their ego to interfere.

When we interview for potential leadership roles with complete authority moving forward, let’s make sure we fully grasp the difference between being power-hungry and culture-hungry.

A failure to do so can be fatal.