The Dangers of Absolute Power in Business Leadership and Brand Management

Mark Robinson, Founding Partner & Managing Director - Creative62
 
As a business leader, how often do you pause to assess the brand environment you operate in? How consistently do you uphold your business vision and values in every interaction? More importantly, do you actively measure the authenticity of your brand’s message?
This reflection goes beyond just a personal exercise; it’s about a brand's power, potential, and vulnerability. While you might feel you have a strong grip on your brand’s direction, much of the control over how it’s perceived lies with those who engage with it—customers, stakeholders, and the public. Their judgment can be swift and decisive, with the power to shape your brand’s reputation overnight.
The phrase “Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely” was coined by nineteenth-century historian Lord Acton in a letter discussing the tendency of those in power to abuse it. He emphasised the importance of humility and accountability among...