7 lessons from the book "Corruptible: Who Gets Power and How It Changes Us"

"Corruptible: Who Gets Power and How It Changes Us" by Brian Klaas explores the nature of power, who tends to seek it, and how it can impact those who hold it. Through interviews and research across different fields, Klaas delves into how power attracts certain types of people and how it can lead even the well-intentioned to act in self-serving ways.

Here are 7 lessons from the book:

1. Power Doesn't Corrupt, People Do: While the saying "power corrupts" is often used, Klaas argues that it's not the power itself that leads to corruption, but the people who wield it. Certain personality traits, like narcissism or a lack of empathy, can make individuals more susceptible to the corrupting influences of power.

2. The Power Bubble Isolates and Distorts: Power can create a bubble that isolates individuals from reality and critical feedback. Surrounded by yes-men and sycophants, leaders may lose touch with the needs and concerns of the people they represent, making them more prone to making unethical decisions.
3. Situations Can Be Corrupting Too: Even individuals with good intentions can be corrupted by certain situations. Poorly designed systems with weak checks and balances, or environments with excessive pressure and temptation, can increase the likelihood of unethical behavior.

4. The Power of Small Wins: Klaas emphasizes the importance of focusing on small changes and interventions to combat corruption. By making it more difficult and risky to engage in corrupt practices, and by empowering individuals to speak out and hold leaders accountable, we can create a more ethical environment.

5. Beware the "Beta" Mentality: Surprisingly, Klaas suggests that the "second in command" position, often referred to as the "beta," can be more prone to corruption than the leader themselves. Betas may feel pressure to please their superiors and may be tempted to engage in unethical behavior to gain favor or avoid punishment.

6. Power and Morality Are Not Fixed Traits: Klaas argues that both power and morality are fluid concepts. People can learn to resist the corrupting influences of power, and even those who have engaged in unethical behavior in the past can change their ways.

7. The Importance of Constant Vigilance: Maintaining a healthy skepticism of power and holding leaders accountable is crucial for preventing corruption. By remaining vigilant and actively engaging in civic participation, we can help ensure that power is used for the benefit of all, not just the few.

In Corruptible, Klaas encourages readers to rethink how power operates, who holds it, and the importance of accountability. By understanding the effects of power and implementing systems that promote ethical behavior, we can work toward creating environments where power is used responsibly and for the greater good.