Be Mindful of Your Power — And What It Attracts

By Sheronda Grant, founder of We Are Strong Enough

People will connect themselves to you because of the power you have. Pay attention to their character, their actions, and their motives before you connect too deeply.

I've lived this. People I believed were friends were really positioning themselves — using proximity to me to get ahead. People who don't know you will get close to attach themselves to you, in hopes of something in return. It's a hard lesson, and it's one every leader eventually learns if they stay in a position of influence long enough.

Although your intentions may be good, theirs may not be. Hidden agendas and hidden motives can negatively impact you and the brand you're building.

I mentioned in my last post that I was at an event, and I watched a woman receive a free gift and respond with nothing but complaint. She wasn't grateful. She made a scene over something she didn't pay a dime for, and something she didn't have to accept. I thought she would have been happy. I would have been thrilled to receive it.

I mentioned it to my mother later. She didn't overanalyze it. She simply said, "Everyone doesn't show up to have a good time."

Everyone doesn't come to you with good intentions.

That stayed with me — because it's true well beyond that event. "Everyone doesn't show up to have a good time." Everyone doesn't come with good intentions.

As a leader, I've prayed for discernment. I believe God has given me that gift — the ability to see who is who, and what someone's intentions are, before I let them get too close.

Your power, your rank, your authority will draw a variety of people to you. Some come because they believe in your vision. Some come because they respect you and your work. And some come because they see you as an opportunity — a title to borrow, a platform to stand on, a position to leverage to push their agenda.

Watch actions, not words. Watch their character. Watch how they treat others. Give people time to show you who they are before you give them access to your inner circle, your plans, your division, your space. People will gas you up and will talk about how amazing you are only to use you for their advantage.

This isn't cynicism. It's stewardship. You worked to build what you have — your brand, your platform, your position — and it deserves the same protection you give the people you serve.

That woman wasn't there to have a good time, and not everyone who comes into your life is. Watch closely. Protect what you've built.

Who in your circle connects to your mission — and who connects to your position?

Sheronda Grant is a senior law enforcement executive and founder of We Are Strong Enough, a leadership development platform for law enforcement professionals. More at wearestrongenough.com.