System Changers: Power

‘System Changers’ in Kilwinning is a programme supported by Corra and Lankelly Chase. The programme is designed to bring people together and provide the time, space and tools to contribute to positive change at an individual, organisational and systemic level.

Power

Power isn’t something I often thought of. It wasn’t something I thought I had a lot of before I was a part of the System Changers Programme. Then I thought more about the different types of power. Having power over others, where power can be shared, and power within e.g. facing your own fears and daring to be yourself.

In a normal every day at work or in my life, I didn’t see myself as someone who had power. It wasn’t something I even considered. I didn’t feel powerless, I just hadn’t given enough consideration to the influence I may project unintentionally onto others.

This learning gave me time for reflection, I thought about my own work and how I am within my role. I am not a grants advisor, but I am employed by an organisation that distributes funding. This can change how people respond to you.

My power

During this programme, I became very aware of power dynamics. So much so I tried extremely hard not to ‘hold power,’ especially within local meetings that I was facilitating. I meticulously planned every session with this in mind. I wanted all participants to feel that we were all equal around the table. This was intense and stressful for me. I mentioned this to another Systems Change facilitator, who immediately said, “why are you pretending you don’t have power?”

This statement hit me like a bolt of lightning. As soon as I acknowledged this, everything else I was trying to achieve with others fell into place.

If you have power – acknowledge and accept it. You will come to realise having power is completely different from holding power.

Trust

I have learnt in my System Changers journey that any attempt that can be seen to hold power over others can diminish trust in relationships. A breakdown in trust can be destructive in group and team dynamics with a long road to recovery.

Relationships

Power is often seen as control, holding fear over others and being ‘right’. However, power can be shifted or shared and when used in the right way, it can have a positive impact on everyone.

Self reflection

In my opinion, I feel everyone holds some sort of power, but to me what’s important is what we do with this. Here are some questions to leave you thinking:

Where do you hold power in your life?

Is it in your workplace? In your home? In your community? Other areas of your life?

How could things be different for everyone if we share power with each other?