Navigating Power Dynamics with Nonviolent Communication

This 6-session course helps you move out of power struggles and into shared power with others.

This course includes an exploration of:

• The dynamics of rebelling against vs. accepting powerful influences 
• The difference between the protective and punitive use of force
• Staying aware of your choices in a range of personal and professional relationships

Imagine these familiar scenes:

Scenario 1 - The Parent/Teen Standoff

😤 A parent and a teen are embroiled in a head-to-head standoff over curfew times. The air is thick with tension, voices are raised and doors are slamming so hard the whole house shakes. In this classic "Power Over" scenario, insistence meets defiance, and the only outcome is hostile frustration.

Now, picture a different approach. 

🙂 The parent approaches their teen with open ears. There is a calm conversation without resistance. The teenager is cooperative. The parent’s listening opens the doors to understanding and collective problem solving.

Scenario 2 - The Roommates in Conflict

😡 Two roommates are in conflict over the division of responsibilities in their apartment. The disagreement has led to a power struggle and an extremely sticky floor. One leaves angry notes to the other, and a heated face-to-face conversation ends without resolution.

🙏 Realizing the strain on their living situation, the roommates decide to step out of the power struggle. In a calm conversation they each express their concerns and listen to one another.  It results in a mutually agreeable plan and renewed hope for a harmonious, mutually satisfying living environment.

The curriculum

Over six sessions, Yvette:

• Uncovers the nuances of domination-based power struggles and different power dynamics.
• Explores how NVC supports us in moving away from forceful demands to fostering shared humanity, shared power, and genuine partnership. 
• Delves into the self-reflection required to support a shift from power-over to power-with. 
• Teaches reflective practices to enhance self-awareness and identify personal growth areas that support the shift towards shared power.
• Cultivates mindfulness and emotional intelligence to enhance collaboration skills. 
• Explores practical strategies for navigating power imbalances, especially in scenarios where internal or external resources are unevenly distributed, such as in parent-child and employer-employee relationships. 
• Aids recognition of power-over and power-under dynamics in various situations, gaining a deeper understanding of their impact on relationships.

Yvette explores various ways that we can share power, including spousal and friend relationships, parent-child relationships, and educational and facilitation contexts.   

She also shares how cultivating shared power can foster trust, understanding, and cooperation, create resolutions that honor the needs of all parties involved, and foster a culture of mutual respect and engagement in educational and facilitation contexts.

What you can expect

This is an experiential learning experience to help you integrate your learning. It includes:

✔️ Content and practice balanced to aid understanding, integration, and build confidence 
✔️ Key concepts and skills presented by Yvette