We all have some amount of power within us. Some have more than others and some use their power as a source of solidarity while others use their power as a tool for destruction. An ancient civilization is known for using power to subdue and conquer other lands and to maintain control over other people. There have been multiple power-shifts since and power continues to shift between various groups of people.

The Egyptians believed in the divine kingship ideology, which is the idea that a political ruler held his power by the favor of a god(s) or that this person was a living incarnation of a god. Currently, in America, we elect people into positions of power to govern the nation, states, cities and local communities. We also elect them into offices of leadership where they can create and enforce laws/rules for the civilians, who elect them, to abide by. The ability to lead effectively is a skill and if used incorrectly can impact many individuals. For instance, American colonizers used their various forms of power to possess territory that was already home to many natives and this quest to possess land led to the death of many natives. Power can have different meanings depending on the usage of the word. For the purposes of this blog, power can be defined as the possession of authority, control, influence or command over others. (Dictionary.com, 2018).  

    Determining who holds power is easier than obtaining power in any workplace. As a new edition to any team, there is often an explanation of your position, the members of the team and their position. As a new member of my internship, I was quickly informed of the existing power dynamics. The power dynamic in my field placement is actually quite fascinating. A key player of the organization, also known as apple, does not seem to work well as a team player. Apple tries to control conversations and ultimately determines what happens. The culture of the office is very reflective of Apple ’s personal preferences and does not include the considerations of other team members. For example, the office is tranquil, there are no conversations, no music, it is complete silence. It is so quiet you can hear a person shift in their seat. I can tell if someone opens the desk drawer, picks up a phone, eating, or etc. One day, an intern explained that the office environment is such a culture shock, which one can experience when moving to an unfamiliar culture, way of life or attitudes — because it was so quiet. they, then, suggested if classical music could be played lightly in the background. Apple responded that it is their preferred preference to work in silence, that they enjoy working in silence, and that silence has become apart of the office culture.  

   I may be an emerging professional, however, I do know that it takes one person of authority to ruin a professional environment and the culture of any community. The saying “one bad apple spoils the bunch” is not just a saying but the reality of my current field placement. The thoughts/idea of each member of an agency is needed to produce a cohesive work environment. These are a few examples that I have heard and witnessed employees express or share when the Apple is out of the office, such as the consistent micromanagement and the insisting of making demands given the main priority. I am a confident person; I’m not egoistic. I am firm in my ability to get the job done, for the first time in a school/internship setting I felt belittled in the way I was spoken to, even when I spoke stares or comments were made on things they did not like that I did or do. For example, in an advisory meeting, my hands were on my lap, as I was talking I cracked my knuckles and mid-sentence the Apple burst out to stop it and shakes their body in disgust. The employee next to them notices my reaction and swiftly explains that it bothers Apple and that they did not like it at all and asked if that I no longer do it. I was startled and confounded that they would behave in such a way that was self-centered and unapologetic for interrupting my development meeting and allowing their personal preference to be more critical than me sharing. During my 6 weeks at this organization, I have seen 2 people leave and heard the remanding workers counting down the days until they go.

The role of leadership is critical to the dynamics of a thriving team. Without a leader who is able to work in a group setting, you have a dictator. I have yet to meet those fighting against oppression and injustice enjoy and encourage dictatorship. The one rotten apple spoils the bunch through the releasing of chemicals that affect the other fruits surrounding it. You can think of ineffective leadership as the ethylene chemical that affects the other workers or fruit for this instant.