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| Janet Hagberg’s Six Stages of Power
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| Introduction |
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Janet Hagberg describes a six stage model of personal development in relationship to power. These six stages are organized into two sets of three, internal and external (Hagberg, 2002). The external three stages of power range from powerlessness to power by association to power by achievement. This domain of the leadership journey is represented by confidence, competence, expertise, titles, success, degrees, stature, money, self-esteem and recognition. People in the first three stages of power are able to marshal resources, meet goals, manage people, make things happen and make a living.
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| Stage-1 : Powerlessness |
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In this stage the individual may feel trapped. They can feel secure and dependent with low self-esteem. The individual may be uninformed with feelings of helpless but not hopelessness. Spiritually these people identify and recognize a higher power. On the shadow side, they can play a victim role or may have addictions. It is necessary to overcome fear and develop self-esteem in order to generate a transformation out of this stage; this can occur by facing addictions, developing skills, and developing devotional life and faith in a higher power. Other ways to move from this stage are to find allies, get support, share oneself, take responsibility, confront oneself, and get treatment or counseling.
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| Stage-2 : Power by Association |
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Characteristics of stage two involve learning the culture and apprenticeship. In this stage, there is a relationship with a mentor and new levels of self-awareness occur. During this cycle it is important to get feedback, develop competence that is reflected in credentials, become involved, take risks, develop networks, and develop independence. In spiritual life, it is the process of learning about the journey. The shadow of this stage can be expressed as naivety and chameleon-like behavior. Obstructions to moving out of this stage are lack of confidence and the need for security.
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| Stage-3 : Power by achivement
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Stage three is the direct expression of our gifts, it is an area of competence that is recognized with the badges of our culture such as degrees and licenses. It is also the attitude of competency that experts exude. The expression can be dynamic and competitive due to the ambitious nature of the individual. In the spiritual life, the individual is mature and contributes to the chosen path. People at this stage can be mindful of the shadow as it expresses with egotism, greed and bravado. Integrity is a catalyst for transforming the shadow. If one is stuck or confused there are ways to generate transformation such as (a) accept the potential change that crisis can bring (b) learn to be alone and to seriously reflect on oneself (c) try new things that cause different thinking processes (d) design rituals (e) create a crisis (f) reflect upon next stages (g) build a network (h) do long-term leadership planning.
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| Stage-4 : Power by Reflection
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Stage four is related to insight, people in this stage have influence yet they are potentially confused and misunderstood. However, in the transitional stage there can be a substantial amount of influence. The individual at this stage provides skilled mentorship, has a well-developed personal style and displays true leadership with strength. In spirituality, there is a rediscovery of that which is holy.
In the shadow of Stage Four individuals may find themselves playacting, stuck in confusion and misunderstood. Under these circumstances it is important to let go of one’s ego, face fear and clearly identify the mission and destiny of one’s life. Other factors that can assist the transformation that occurs at this stage includes a willingness to ‘hit the wall’ as well as willingness to release control to God and go beyond intellect to connect with wisdom. To do this one must face ones own shadow. This is the fulfillment of Dharma or right livelihood; it is the union of the personal will with that of heaven. This takes deep transformation and courage, courage to move beyond potential losses. It requires finding grace within the darkness. However, one must be cautious of willfulness such that the personal will overrides that of heaven. Movement out of this stage occurs when staying accountable to someone who knows your story. In addition, the movement is assisted by belief in the healing before it happens
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| Stage-5 :Power by purpose
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This is truly the expression of the deepest heart's desire. Here, one accepts self as that with calmness, courage, and awareness of the needs of the group. There is humility and a deep sense of clarity about one’s mission in life. This is the arena of practicing mystics, they have elusive qualities, and are generous in empowering others. In the spirituality of this stage there is surrender to the Holy.
The shadow of stage five includes pseudo-innocence, which I would suggest is a sign that person is at an earlier stage. It also includes a perception b others that one is impractical or undeveloped. The catalyst for movement is universal understanding. Failure to understand the universe will hold people at this stage back as will faithlessness and fear of loss.
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| Stage-6 :Power by wisdom
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The essential question here is how close are we willing to come to the flame? This is the deeper spiritual life when our lives are consumed by the fire of the Holy Spirit. We engage in self –sacrifice we identify as souls of the earth.
People in this stage have integrated the shadow, they are unafraid of death, and they demonstrate compassion for the world. People in this category would include Moses, Christ, Mother Teresa and Buddha. There are living examples of such individuals and they include the Dalai Lama and Nelson Mandela. They have all been powerless, providing quiet service. They have holy qualities and yet are in touch with their own humanity.
The shadow of Stage Six is that these people can be out of touch with danger and appear too sacrificial. And – it is their own humanity that prevents them from achieving the vision they hold for humanity within their own spiritual framework.
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