A group of us, activists, facilitators and funders, gathered this month to think about “Sharing Power”. What can we sow and what can we compost?
Here’s a snapshot of the rich, nuanced and explorative soil that got laboured…
Our Invitation was to think about situations where power could be shared, and contemplate the multiple relationships and connections present or possible in this system.
When the group started imagining a system that softens itself and where power is shared, we saw individuals starting to move and take power, instead of waiting for it to be taken.
We saw more space created.
New provident structures came onto the scaffolding.
We felt the calling to navigate and ground to navigate relationships.
Observations that emerged back from a future state:
- Do I understand people’s needs?
- Sharing power is not using power to elevate others, but giving up the power, losing something to create something
- I can map and articulate the direct, personal connection to my impact
- I can see (at least I start to sense!) a material package and infrastructure that supports power-sharing
- The act and benefit of giving up power is collective and inter-relational.
What can we credibly assume that is true and liberating that will enable us to move our complex web of relationships towards shared power?
- Flexibility means empathy for others
- But a lack of structure can lead to frustration. We could give up some “flexibility” to build scaffolding and support for our journey together
- Embracing “asking for help”, “trusting to delegate”
- Stewarding vs “doing it for them”. I can let people make mistakes, have more agency.
- I can practise self-advocacy and have a go. What good can happen? This is where impact is.
- Doing less gives me more space. Because when I burn out, the power pot shrinks.
- In the sharing power wheel, there is no good or bad thread, they are all interdependent.
If we knew that, what would change for us?
Are you interested in “Sharing Power” and how to create deeper, nimbler, inspiring connections?
Subscribe to my complimentary Conscious Innovation updates. They include:
• A starter exercise: ‘The Sharing Power’ Wheel. If you are already subscribed, ask for the pdf here.
• 2 Time to Think courses in Spring 2025 to turn yourself and others into a Thinking Environment, which is a foundational condition to grow your independent thinking and implement power-sharing. (Look at the “Time to Think Foundation in Facilitation” and “Develop a Thinking Partnership” courses here)
Come along, we’ll explore how we can create more equitable, effective, and encouraging teams!
