His book Power versus Force: The Hidden Determinants of Behavior offers a scale for the levels of consciousness—a map of the hidden energy fields that determine human behavior. This numerical scale includes seventeen expressions of consciousness including Shame, Apathy, Guilt, Anger, Pride, Courage, Acceptance, Reason, Love and Joy.

Most interestingly, Dr. Hawkins’s consciousness research reveals a clear dividing line at the level denoted as Courage. Consciousness levels at and above Courage like Acceptance, Willingness, Reason and Love are life affirming, have integrity and come from power. Power is self-sustaining with its own source of energy. Like gravity, power is constantly present without anyone or anything needed to sustain it.

Levels of consciousness below Courage like Shame, Guilt, Apathy, Anger and Fear are destructive, lack integrity and come from force. Force, in contrast to power, needs constant support. War, for example, requires continuous force in the form of money, people, weapons and supplies. Force eventually expends its available resources.

All businesses have a calibrated level of consciousness and operate from either power or force. Guess where companies like Enron, WorldCom and Countrywide Financial calibrated?  When a business comes from force, it can’t sustain itself (as we know from our current economic crisis).

Guess where companies like Southwest Airlines, FedEx, Harley Davidson, Wal-Mart and Apple calibrate? Businesses that operate with power have integrity and tend to create long-term sustainable businesses supported by loyal customers.

Businesses that operate from power have heart—they honor the human factor and demonstrate a commitment to serve their customers. Businesses that utilize force have an exploitative mindset and are driven solely by greed and personal gain.

In the end, power always trumps force.

Related posts:

1. The Power of Intention in Brand Building
2. Elevate Your Consciousness
3. Do you run an Enlightened Business?