Trainer Tip

Nothing is unthinkable, nothing impossible to the balanced person, provided it arises out of the needs of life and is dedicated to life’s further developments.

—Lewis Mumford

"Power over" refers to people using their power or authority to get what they want. Examples include corporate leaders who wield their power to influence legislation that benefits them and parents who use coercion or punishment to get their children to behave in desired ways. Usually, this system sets up a dynamic in which a few hold power over many.

In contrast, "power with" refers to power that seeks to meet everyone’s needs. Examples of this include parents who discuss vacation plans with the rest of the family, corporations that seek participation and decision-making from all employees, and neighborhood associations that invite input from community members. A power with system values the input and needs of everyone who will be affected by decisions.

The most powerful change agent known to human beings is an intrinsic desire to change. The attempt to force people to change out of fear of consequences can promote an extrinsic desire for momentary compliance. It rarely, if ever, promotes long-term change.

If you notice you are using a power over paradigm to achieve a result, shift the focus to power with. Notice how this shift in consciousness affects the results.

This trainer tip is an excerpt from Mary Mackenzie's book, Peaceful Living, available from PuddleDancer Press.

• power
• power over
• power under
• marginalization
• force
• inequality
• coercion
• punishment
• decision making
• change
• compliance
• Mary Mackenzie