What Does It Mean to Be in a Privileged Position?

We often associate "privilege" with something dramatic or obvious, but it’s often much more subtle. Privilege might mean you’ve got a louder voice in meetings, access to conversations others aren't included in, or the ear of someone higher up the chain. Maybe people don’t question you as much, or you’re assumed to have the answer.

If you recognise any of that, pause. Because that’s privilege in action.

But here’s the thing: privilege isn’t something to feel guilty about. It’s something to become aware of—so you can use it wisely.

The Dangers of Misusing Power and Privilege

Let’s be blunt. Power that goes unchecked is a breeding ground for poor behaviour. I’m talking:

• Gatekeeping opportunities
• Withholding vital information
• Playing favourites
• Dismissing feedback or dissent

And it’s not always intentional. Sometimes we do these things without even realising. But the effect? Eroded trust, frustrated teams, high turnover, and a culture where innovation goes to die.

How to Identify Ethical Risks in Employees with Privilege

You don’t need a crisis to start thinking about ethics. But you do need to be paying attention. Watch out for:

• People who hoard information like it gives them power (because they think it does)
• Dominators in meetings who leave no space for others
• Leaders who operate with a “my way or the highway” attitude
• A total lack of accountability or defensiveness when questioned

These behaviours chip away at culture until there’s nothing left but resentment and quiet quitting.

Encouraging Ethical Use of Power and Information

Culture is set at the top. If your leadership team isn’t modelling openness, fairness, and self-awareness, you can’t expect the rest of the business to.

That means:

• Making transparency the norm, not the exception
• Sharing knowledge freely (not just with the usual suspects)
• Asking hard questions like: "Who are we excluding?" or "Who needs to be in the room?"

Ethics isn’t a policy. It’s a mindset. And it needs to be baked into how you lead, hire, reward, and grow.

Empowering Employees to Use Their Privilege for Good

If you have influence, use it. Not just to get ahead, but to bring others with you. That might look like mentoring someone newer or less represented. It might mean speaking up when someone gets interrupted (again). Or making space for people who aren’t as loud but have plenty to say.

Power isn’t finite. The more you share it, the more you build trust, loyalty, and genuine leadership across the business.

Conclusion: Ethical Power is the Foundation of Strong Leadership

Let’s stop pretending power isn’t part of business. It is. But it doesn’t have to be something we whisper about.

The best leaders aren’t the ones who hold onto influence like it’s treasure. They’re the ones who use it to open doors, not close them. Who stay aware of their impact, even when no one’s watching. And who understand that ethical leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about making intentional, thoughtful choices every day.

Let’s Talk

Want to explore what ethical power looks like in your business? We’re here for it. Let’s dig in together, challenge the norms, and create a business culture you can be proud of.

be bold | be brave | be outside the bubble