Power, often seen as a monolith of force and domination, actually is defined as “the ability to have an effect or to have influence.” As a birthright we are all born with the ability to have an effect! It is how we used this ability that makes the difference between abuse of power and use of power for good. And most of us don’t get the chance to take a course that would help us learn the dynamics of power and how to use it wisely and well.
Power, the ability to have an effect, can be teased apart into many aspects, all of which have an effect and have influence. This chart describes four aspects of power through four tasks related to four goals related to four polarities. Take a look.
The first thing you’ll notice on the chart (in colors below) are the words: “Living in the Power Zone.” You are living in the power zone, when you have developed a wide range of healthy responses to the polarities that are described here. This chart points out that when you are out of balance or your behavior goes to the extreme on either side of the continuum, you will be stuck, confused or out of touch with yourself and others, and thus at big risk of using your power in a way that causes harm to yourself or others. For example: in the first task of being informed and aware, the continuum moves from overwhelm to ignorance, both of which have a bad effect.
To continue reading this article, click here to visit GoodTherapy.org.
Please note: I am a regular contributor to GoodTherapy.org, an association of mental health professionals from over 30 countries worldwide who support efforts to reduce harm in therapy. GoodTherapy.org is ranked as one of the top therapist directories on the web.
Power, the ability to have an effect, can be teased apart into many aspects, all of which have an effect and have influence. This chart describes four aspects of power through four tasks related to four goals related to four polarities. Take a look.
The first thing you’ll notice on the chart (in colors below) are the words: “Living in the Power Zone.” You are living in the power zone, when you have developed a wide range of healthy responses to the polarities that are described here. This chart points out that when you are out of balance or your behavior goes to the extreme on either side of the continuum, you will be stuck, confused or out of touch with yourself and others, and thus at big risk of using your power in a way that causes harm to yourself or others. For example: in the first task of being informed and aware, the continuum moves from overwhelm to ignorance, both of which have a bad effect.
To continue reading this article, click here to visit GoodTherapy.org.
Please note: I am a regular contributor to GoodTherapy.org, an association of mental health professionals from over 30 countries worldwide who support efforts to reduce harm in therapy. GoodTherapy.org is ranked as one of the top therapist directories on the web.
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