"Je me souviens que tu étais en conflit, abusant de ton influence, parfois j'ai fait la même chose."

This quote gets right to the heart of a pretty universal experience: the struggle with influence and the temptation to misuse it. We’ve all found ourselves in positions where we have some sway over others—whether at work, in our friendships, or even within our families—and the big question becomes, how do we handle that power responsibly?

To give this some context, these words come from Kendrick Lamar’s album "To Pimp A Butterfly," a piece of work loaded with personal and social commentary. Lamar reflects on his own journey and the conflicts he’s faced, particularly around using his platform and influence. He’s pointing out that even if you know the right thing to do, it’s easy to slip up and make mistakes—especially when you’re in a position of power.

Let’s talk about a real-life example to make this crystal clear. Imagine a manager at a company who has the power to make or break someone’s career. They might start off with the best intentions, aiming to be fair and supportive. But what if they start favoring certain employees who flatter them or share their interests? That’s misuse of influence. It might not seem like a big deal at first, but over time it can create a toxic work environment and demoralize other employees. This is exactly the kind of conflict Lamar is talking about.

So how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? First, it’s about self-awareness. Recognize the power you have and be mindful of how you use it. Regularly check in with yourself: are you being fair, or are you letting your biases and personal interests cloud your judgment? Second, be open to feedback. Let others call you out when you’re slipping up. It’s not always easy, but it’s crucial for staying grounded.

Let me tell you a little story to drive this home. Picture this: two friends, Alex and Taylor. Alex is great at giving advice and often helps Taylor make decisions. Taylor usually takes Alex’s advice because, well, Alex has been right more times than not. But one day, Alex realizes that Taylor is becoming too dependent on this advice. Instead of helping Taylor grow, Alex’s influence is starting to limit Taylor’s ability to make independent choices. So, Alex decides to step back a bit—still there to support, but encouraging Taylor to trust their own judgment more. It’s a small shift, but it makes a huge difference in the long run.

This concept isn’t just about avoiding the misuse of power; it’s about fostering growth in yourself and others. It’s a fine balance, but with self-awareness and a willingness to accept feedback, you can wield your influence in a way that’s beneficial for everyone involved. So, the next time you find yourself in a position of influence, think about Lamar’s words and remember we’re all trying to do our best—sometimes we just need a little reminder to stay on the right path.