In this simple setting and in this "syllogistic form style" - series of statements, is explored, an aspect of Power - often referred to as "The Positions of Power" (Oladipo Adegboyega Adelaja, SOTI Collected Works - "Power Rests on Position.")

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POWER STRUCTURE

The "Power Structure" - "the lines of power" - of combined  'command' and 'obligation' - or 'situation"'- is clear.

 

There is "The Boss" - and there are "Staff " - and in that well-worn phrase - "The boss is the boss is the boss."  The 'hierarchy' is clear - the "order" and 'command' is clear - the "obligation" is clear. 

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Yet - in this simple setting - where all seems clear - we can extract through analysis - "Three Positions of Power."​

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BOSS' QUESTION

The Boss asks - "When are we having tea?" - a neutral statement. 

 

The reader should observe - although the question is neutral, "the power" - has not disappeared.

 

The Boss is still the boss - but the statement is neutral, in that - "the power of command is suspended / or concealed - by the nature of The Boss' question."

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The "suspension" or "concealment" of power - is a common factor, in the dynamics of a 'command' - 'obligations' - 'relation.'

 

A "Protagonist of Power," often conceals that fact - or delays the exercise of it - to obtain an advantage. 

 

For example, if one wants to really know, where someone stands in relation to yourself - you often conceal the fact of the "power dynamics" - if within the hierarchy, you are in 'command' and you want to observe the true nature of the person you are speaking to.

 

This scenario is not present in this case, because it is an office setting - the ''obligation of "The Boss" / "Staff" - is clear.  However, the statement / request - is neutral. 

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STAFF REPLY

The member of Staff responds - "Shall I go and make it now?" 

 

A perfectly proper response - the member of staff acknowledges an 'obligation' - "shall I go..."  Accepting through speech - that he or she is under an 'obligation.' 

 

The response is appropriate - given the nature of the relationship of "The Boss" / 'Staff" - thus acknowledging the "lines of power" / 'command.' 

 

It is not excessively "servile" - there is nothing in the Staff's response - to suggest this. 

 

Therefore, a balance between "politeness" - and "servility" - has been maintained. 

 

One is reminded of the Adelaja's - First Axiom of Power - "Politeness is next to Power."  Who knows - perhaps one day this Member Of Staff - will one day too, become a boss?! 

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"Politeness" - however,  must not be confused with "servility" - one is reminded of Adelaja's - Third Axiom of Power - "Politeness is not Power."  

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There is the old phrase - that deals with the response of the "servile" - depicted in the following brief dialogue -

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"You know so and so - he's such a creep - when the boss enters and asks him to do something - you know - he's so servile.  When The Boss says jump - he, The Creep - replies - HOW HIGH SIR?...."

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"... Yeah I know - he's such a creep."

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1.  THE BOSSES RESPONSE - "THE COMMAND"

To the answer given by the Member Of Staff -

 

"Shall I go and make it now?" -

 

The Boss could have replied -

 

"Yes - now." 

 

That would have been - a 'command' - by The Boss. 

 

In that simple 'command' - is displayed and demonstrated - the full extent of power.   The Boss' response is a 'command' - and exhibits - the position of Power (1) "The Command."  

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2.  "NEGATION OF POWER"

To the member of Staff's response - "Shall I go now?" - let us suppose - The Boss replies, as follows -

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"You decide."   

 

Here - there is a 'Negation of Command.'

 

The Boss has refused to 'determine' - what 'action - should follow - but instead, by the answer - "transfers the responsibility" - to the Member Of Staff. 

 

There is a "Negation Of Power."

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This can be a "risky" position - for someone who has power to take.

 

Since, having transferred "Power" - the 'decision making' - is transferred to another.

 

It logically follows from that transfer - that The Boss would be bound by the decision of the Member Of Staff. 

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Therefore, we can see - the dangers of such a "transfer of power."  

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3.  THE SOLOMONIC / PHILOSOPHIC

The third "Position of Power" - we can describe as the "Solomonic" or "Philosophic" - exercise of power. 

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To the Member Of Staff's answer -

 

"Shall I go and make it now?" -

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The Boss responds -

 

"What do you think? - you tell me."   

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This is called the "Solomonic or Philosophic Exercise Of Power."

 

It should be noted that - it is "neutral" - with respect to the power relationship itself, namely, the relationship between The Boss and Member of Staff.  

 

It should be remembered that - "power still exists" - since the relationship exists? 

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But that is not the only significant aspect of this response. 

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The Boss' answer is given in the form of a "question" -

 

"what do you think - you tell me?" 

 

Hence, the name of this response, the 'Solomonic" or 'Philosophic' response - by someone with power. 

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THE APEX OF POWER - EMPEROR / EMPRESS

The Emperor or Empress - removes their crown - crosses their legs - and slouch on their throne - their arms rested casually, on its arms - in a relaxed attitude.  

 

Hence the 'Solomonic Aspect' - "The Apex Of Power." 

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In this scene, one could also substitute a judge - or some other person of power - removing all the attributes of power - and assuming - a new role - that of of inquirer - "you tell me?" - they respond - hence the 'Philosophic.'

 

TRANSMUTATION OF POWER

The power has not "gone" - it has not "dissipated" - "disappeared" - it has not "evaporated - it has been ' transmuted!' 

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In this scenario - The Boss has now become 'The Master,' 'The Teacher' -

 

"you tell me?" - he or she asks.

 

Thus, the greatest Bosses are the greatest Masters - greatest Teachers - potentially.  

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The Member of Staff, is required to make a decision and not only to make a decision, but because the power relation still exists - somewhere - the Member Of Staff, may be required to "justify" their decision. 

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Upon such 'events' and 'circumstances' - built up over time and which through time, become "habitual" - great Bosses / Leaders - are made. 

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A Boss can become the greatest Master or Teacher.  Therefore, this response is properly regarded as the 'Solomonic' or 'Philosophic' - power response. 

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"POWER EXISTS BY DEGREES"

Finally we may consider the "state" and "measurement" of power - it exists by degrees.

 

By this it is meant that - you must not confuse the 'object' (obligator) or the 'Subject' (protagonist) of power, with power itself.  "Power exists by DEGREES" - it stands alone.​​  That is its "mode" of measurement - and however insignificant the 'situational events' may seem - it can still be measured - by the "degree of power."