The Complexity of Power in Leadership

Lessons on power from the popular Netflix series Vikings -

Power is a word that carries as much weight as it does danger. As I reflected on the Netflix series Vikings and Ragnar Lothbrok’s wisdom, I couldn’t help but think about the responsibility that comes with leadership.

In one scene, Ragnar asks Bjorn why he wants to fight and what he is fighting for. His words resonate deeply: “Power is always dangerous. It attracts the worst and corrupts the best. Power is only given to those willing to lower themselves to pick it up.”

This simple yet profound truth serves as a reminder that leadership is not about domination or control. Instead, it’s about humility, responsibility, and service. True power lies in our ability to lift others, even when we’re burdened by our own failures. The Cost of Power Leadership comes with an immense responsibility—not only to others but also to ourselves. Ragnar’s journey as a leader is a testament to this.

Early in his life, Ragnar was a visionary who sought to explore new lands and unite his people. But as his power grew, so did his struggles. After a devastating defeat in France at the hands of his brother, he walked away from his throne, vanishing into obscurity. When he returned, he found himself despised and judged by those he once led.

This arc highlights an important lesson: power is not static. It evolves with our choices, our mistakes, and our willingness to embrace humility. How often do we, as leaders, face similar moments? Times when we must reconcile our own failures, rebuild trust, and regain confidence in ourselves and others. Leadership as Service One of the most profound insights from Ragnar’s journey is his struggle to live by his own wisdom.

Imagine if, after his defeat, he had chosen to lower himself and rebuild trust with his people rather than withdrawing in shame. Leadership, after all, is not about ego; it’s about service. It’s about being willing to pick others up when they fall, even as we work to lift ourselves from our own failures.

True leaders understand that power is a gift meant to serve others. It’s not about holding a position of authority but about using that position to create positive change. As Ragnar himself said, “Power is only given to those willing to lower themselves to pick it up.” This humility transforms power into a tool for growth rather than destruction.

Trusting in God Through Storms Leadership, especially in times of failure, requires faith. It demands that we trust in something greater than ourselves. In my own journey, I’ve come to realize that trusting God is essential to navigating the storms of leadership. When we fall, it’s God who helps us rise again. When we’re lost, He guides us. And when we feel unworthy of the power entrusted to us, it’s His grace that reminds us of our purpose.

As leaders, we are not alone. Our power comes not from our own strength but from the divine strength that sustains us. This perspective transforms leadership from a burden into a calling. It gives us the courage to face our own limitations and to trust that, with God’s help, we can overcome them.

Power, Humility, and Authenticity Leadership is also about authenticity. It’s about being willing to show our true selves—the good, the bad, and the broken. Ragnar’s story reminds us that even the greatest leaders make mistakes. What sets them apart is their ability to learn from those mistakes and grow.

Authentic leadership is not about projecting perfection but about modeling character and resilience. To lead authentically, we must care for our souls. This means taking the time to reflect, to pray, and to nurture our inner lives. It means striving to become the kind of person we want others to follow. As leaders, we cannot give what we do not have.

If we want to inspire trust, we must first learn to trust ourselves and God. Conclusion Power, as Ragnar Lothbrok said, is dangerous. But it’s also transformative. It has the potential to corrupt, but it also has the potential to heal, to serve, and to uplift. Leadership is about embracing this duality. It’s about being willing to humble ourselves, to learn from our failures, and to trust that God will guide us through the storms of life. True leadership is not about holding on to power. It’s about giving it away—through service, through love, and through grace. In the end, the greatest power we have is the power to lift others, even as we lift ourselves.

© Dr. Johan Green