Leverage is a tricky tool within the coercive power tool box.  

There are times when leverage is necessary, times when it is appropriate and times when it is utterly inappropriate, unethical, and even immoral.  We are in those times.

When people with less power use leverage to get people with more power to do things, it is called resistance.  This is necessary to balance power in order to negotiate.

When people with equal power use leverage to get other people to do things, it is called negotiation, which ideally leads to compromise.  Everyone wins a little and looses a little.  Power remains relatively balanced, which promotes civility.

When people with more power use leverage to get people with less power to do things, it is called bullying.  The goal of bullying is not negotiation and compromise, but domination and control.

Bullying is always inappropriate, usually unethical, and often immoral.  It exacerbates the imbalance of power, and leads to wars.

Most people learn about power as children.  We learn that bullying is not an acceptable use of leverage against people will less power.  We learn compassion and personal restraint to keep our worst impulses in check. 

Beyond personal decency, professional ethics, moral codes and laws exist to prevent bullies from accumulating power and using it to harm others.  When bullies become leaders, everyone suffers.

The only way to regain safety and civility with bullies in charge is through strong and persistence resistance.   

Resistance must first be focused on personal well-being.  We must not let the bullies consume our lives or take away our joy.  Second, resistance is remaining compassionate and caring for  those who are harmed.  Finally, resistance must be leveraged to remove bullies from positions of power.

For ideas on what you can do to resist the bullies who are trying to destroy our country, here are few of my go-to resources:

• “News, Not Noise” by independent journalist, Jessica Yellin on Substack, for non-sensationalized reporting (there are lots of other great journalists on Substack too)
• “Civil Discourse” by Joyce Vance on Substack for legal analysis
• “We can Do Hard Things” podcast (and soon a book) with Glennon, Abby and Amanda, for your mental health
• “Assembly Required” podcast by Stacy Abrams for analysis and practical advice on how to become involved 
• congress.gov to find out who represents you.  Call them often.

If you are dealing with bullies at work or want practical advise on how to leverage your power effectively, please check out my book, Management Culture.