Power vs. Strength

Unlike power, the source of strength usually comes from the inside, such as faith, values, and love.

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The Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Business in Colorado, courtesy of CWCC

The Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce (CWCC) recently notified me that I was selected as one of the 2023 CWCC Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Business. I’m honored and humbled by this award. Preparing for a CWCC interview, I cannot help thinking: What exactly is power?

In physics, power is the amount of energy transferred or converted per unit time. In life, according to Merriam-Webster, power is defined as “the possession of control, authority, or influence over others.” The sources of power are often external: influence, title, wealth, or, in our digital world, the number of followers you have on Twitter or Instagram. The more followers one has, the bigger the title one gets, the more money one has in the bank, and the more powerful someone feels. Some say, “Power corrupts.” Others say, “Power attracts those already corrupt.” As Abraham Lincoln saw it, power reveals the truth about a person —“if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”

This kind of traditional definition of power differs from what CWCC had in mind. CWCC emphasizes serving the community and helping pave the way for others. Still, if I could choose, I would prefer the word “strength” to “power” because unlike power, the source of strength usually comes from the inside, such as faith, values, and love.