The Seduction of Power: Why Good Leaders Go Bad

The Seduction of Power: Why Good Leaders Go Bad

By Mark Wager

There’s an old saying that power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. While this might seem like a cliché, it holds a deeper truth that every leader must confront. The very quality that elevates a person to a leadership role—ambition, drive, and confidence—can also become their downfall if they’re not careful. The journey from being a good leader to becoming a corrupted one is rarely marked by a single defining moment. Instead, it’s often a slow and seductive drift—one subtle compromise at a time.

As someone who has spent decades coaching leaders across New Zealand and the Pacific region, I’ve seen firsthand how even the most well-intentioned leaders can lose their way. They start with a clear desire to serve, to make a difference, to do the right thing—but somewhere along the way, something changes. The very power that once enabled them to lead with influence begins to isolate them, warp their thinking, and diminish their empathy.

So why does this happen? And more importantly, what can we do to prevent it?

The Psychology of Power: What Science Tells Us

To understand why good leaders go bad, we need to examine what power does to the human mind. Psychological research has consistently shown that power changes the way we think, feel, and act. It affects our moral compass, our ability to empathise, and even our perception of risk.

One of the most revealing studies on this topic was conducted by Dacher Keltner, a social psychologist from the University of California, Berkeley. His research found that individuals in positions of power are more likely to behave impulsively, ignore the perspectives of others, and act in self-serving ways. Power, in essence, can neurologically impair a person’s ability to mirror the emotions of others—a fundamental component of empathy.

Another study, published in the journal Psychological Science, found that people who feel powerful are less likely to take into account what others are thinking or feeling. When participants were primed to feel powerful, they became worse at identifying emotions in others, reading facial expressions, and imagining other people’s viewpoints.

This isn’t to say that all powerful people are doomed to become unempathetic or unethical—but it does mean that the risk increases significantly. Power creates distance. It puts a person in a position where they’re less likely to be challenged and more likely to be obeyed. That combination can be intoxicating, and dangerous.

The Slippery Slope of Justification

Corruption in leadership doesn’t always look like scandal or embezzlement. Sometimes it shows up in quieter ways—an inflated ego, a disregard for feedback, or a tendency to surround oneself with ‘yes people.’ The danger lies not just in the power itself but in how leaders begin to justify their behaviours once they’ve tasted it.

When leaders start to believe that the rules don’t apply to them, that they know best, or that the ends justify the means, they’ve already stepped onto a dangerous path. These justifications often come cloaked in noble intentions—“I’m doing this for the team,” or “I have to make the tough decisions no one else can.” But over time, those small justifications compound, and the leader becomes blind to the fact that they’ve drifted far from their original values.

It’s worth remembering that no one wakes up one day and decides to become the villain. It’s a slow erosion of character, often unnoticed by the person experiencing it.

How to Stay Grounded When Power Increases

The good news is that this path is not inevitable. Power doesn’t have to corrupt—it can be used wisely, responsibly, and for great good. But to do that, leaders must take intentional steps to stay grounded and accountable.

1. Stay Rooted in Purpose

One of the most powerful tools a leader has is a strong sense of purpose. When leaders are clear about why they lead, they’re less likely to be seduced by the trappings of power. Purpose acts as a compass—it helps leaders navigate tough decisions, stay aligned with their values, and resist the temptation to put self-interest above service.

When I coach leaders, I always encourage them to articulate their leadership purpose in a single sentence. This isn’t a mission statement or a job description—it’s a declaration of intent. Why do you lead? What difference do you want to make? The clearer this is, the harder it is to stray.

2. Build a Circle That Tells You the Truth

Power isolates. The higher a leader rises, the less likely people are to tell them the truth. That’s why it’s critical to build an inner circle of trusted advisers who are not afraid to challenge your thinking. These people should care more about your integrity than your approval.

Encourage honest feedback. Invite dissenting opinions. Reward people for speaking up. A strong leader creates psychological safety not just for their team but also for themselves—ensuring that the people around them are empowered to keep them grounded.

3. Reflect Often and Honestly

Self-reflection is a discipline that every leader must cultivate. Take time regularly to ask yourself difficult questions:

• Have I made decisions recently that were more about protecting my status than doing the right thing?
• Have I dismissed feedback or avoided conversations that challenged me?
• Do the people around me feel safe to tell me when I’m wrong?

The goal is not to achieve perfection but to remain conscious. Power thrives in unconsciousness—it grows stronger when a leader stops paying attention to who they are becoming.

4. Establish Boundaries and Ethical Guardrails

It’s easier to resist temptation when you’ve already decided what lines you won’t cross. This is why leaders must establish clear ethical boundaries before they’re tested. Don’t wait until you’re under pressure to decide where your line is—by then, it’s often too late.

Write down your non-negotiables. Share them with someone you trust. When your actions are guided by principles rather than pressure, you become the kind of leader who not only inspires trust but deserves it.

5. Stay Human

Perhaps the most effective antidote to the seduction of power is humility. Leaders must remind themselves often that leadership is not about being above others—it’s about serving others. The best leaders don’t use power to elevate themselves; they use it to lift others.

Humility doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself—it means thinking of yourself less. It means remembering that every person you lead has their own story, struggles, and dreams. It means seeing people not as resources but as human beings.

Leadership Is a Privilege, Not a Right

In the end, leadership is not something that is owed to you—it’s something entrusted to you. It’s a sacred responsibility that requires vigilance, self-awareness, and accountability. Power can either amplify your integrity or expose your weaknesses. Which one it does depends on the choices you make every day.

If you are in a position of power—whether leading a small team or a large organisation—then you have a duty to ensure that your leadership remains a force for good. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you’re immune to the seduction of power. None of us are. But with the right mindset and the right structures in place, you can rise above it.

You can be the kind of leader who proves that power doesn’t have to corrupt—that it can, in the right hands, transform lives, build futures, and leave a legacy that others will be proud to follow.

If you’re ready to take your leadership to the next level while staying true to your values, I invite you to explore my leadership coaching services. I’ve worked with leaders across New Zealand and the Pacific region, helping them stay grounded, lead with purpose, and navigate the pressures that come with power.

Contact me today for a free consultation—and let’s talk about how you can be the kind of leader the world needs more of.