There is always a choice.  To exert power in negative
ways,  or to pass over that opportunity to bring the
other person down,  and stand in one's own inner power
- which grows that strength of character that has no
need of external validation  

Power

Power has two major facets.

There is an outward power, that of control and
dominion over other beings, which is transient
 insatiable, and soul destroying.

Though outwardly it may seem enviable to many,
on a soul level the power exerted over others is
in direct proportion to a diminishing inner light

Eventual return to Spirit will draw that entity
towards the level of their luminosity, their light

They then find that they have become more lowly.

Money may be the currency on the physical plane
Love is the currency of Spirit

Inner Power

Inner Power is that which satisfies, it is the power of spirit
of  inner light.   It is that which grows.  An energy which
is all pervading, quiet, unquenchable.  It cannot be bought,  
though it is earned, and it is priceless !   

To become more aware in power situations -
Ask yourself ~

Where will the power lie, and what does it feel like
within me.  Who and what will be served ?

How important does it feel to me to gain this power ?

Am I following the heart or the ego ?

If my path/actions in this instance was the last thing
I would accomplish before I die - how would I feel ?

Expanded and fulfilled or still empty and unsatisfied ?