Contrary to popular belief, power does not spoil our character, but only shows it.
Power makes a person more authoritarian, tough, unfair – or, on the contrary, more flexible and considerate to others? Neither one nor the other. Cognitive psychologist Ana Guinot (Ana Guinote) proved that a high position only shows the personality traits of the leader, makes his character more pronounced *. Having become a boss, an altruistic person is more likely to go for dialogue and compromise in a conflict situation – this is his natural inclination, and power makes it possible to manifest it. While in the role of a subordinate, he might have had to choose a different demeanor.
* Psychological Science, 2012, vol. 23.