Over the centuries, people developed different ways to relate to power.

A result of this may be how the word often has a negative connotation today.

It is linked with the experience of power other people may exercise indifferently. This relates to the possibility that people rarely like to experience themselves as subject to other people’s power.

However, to a certain extent, this is an everyday experience in a group. Some of it may even simply be everyday change.

It is not clear to me if we’ve become more resistant to change. Or, if growing up, parents included their children in so many decisions that it changed the children’s relationship with authority. A simple consequence will then be that decisions leaders and governments make can be experienced as being way too distant.

What is clear though, is that people have changed their expectations of being included in the decision process. To an extent that some assume that any decision process is or should be within their influence.

What receives less consideration is their own ability to make such a decision in an informed manner, or even to contribute to such a decision.

Part of the situation is a lack of trust and unwillingness to accept letting others be responsible for making choices that affect us.

It leads to an ineffective distribution of power.

While one gives power to a leader as a follower, the unwillingness to let them have the responsibility takes their power away.

The contract between leader and follower cannot be executed.

You, dear reader, may think that this description doesn’t capture the whole picture. You are right. But it might be a perspective that is less often considered and deserves some reflection too.

It is an invitation to look at your relationship with authority.