It’s no surprise that I can catch more bees with honey than I can with a stick. While honey is sweet and alluring, a stick, and the prospect of getting hit with it, is not. Simply put, the power of honey is more attractive than the
force of a stick. Power and force are both currencies, they are just different sides of the same coin.
In CrossFit, many movements are power moves which combine the use of several muscles with a technique that ensures that when done correctly, the lift is both efficient and safe. For example, the “clean” is lifting a barbell from the floor to your shoulders. When done correctly, it is a power move that makes it easier to lift heavy weight; a positive result is achieved without harm. Back when I was a CrossFit regular (believe it or not!), my “clean” lifts were accomplished through brute force rather than technique. By using my strength to force the movement, not only did I complete the lift incorrectly, but I made it inefficient, risked injury and limited the amount I could lift. While the move requires strength, it also requires flexibility and focus on using the correct muscle groups. Since I lacked the flexibility for the power move, I got the job done by forcing it.
So, what is the problem? Whether I used power or force I still got the job done, right? Well, yes but when I used force I was inefficient, I did not maximize my ability and I risked injury. Had I used power, I would have met the goal in a more positive and effective way. Similarly, when dealing with people, exerting brute force to get them to do what you want may work once—but at what cost?
As an owner of J2 Solutions, I can use brute force and require my team to do exactly what I want and exactly how I want it done. Yet I know that technique creates resentment, damages relationships and eventually would cause them to leave. A mass exodus could occur, and who would blame them? Instead, I prefer to build and invest in relationships, and use the power that comes from those strong bonds to work towards common goals. In turn, the relationships I build are invaluable; goals are not only met but often exceeded, and with the power of input and collaboration we go farther, faster. How will you use your power? Let me know.
“Power serves others, whereas force is self-serving.”– David R. Hawkins
Have a powerful weekend.
-Vijay