Sharing Power in Organisations: Insights from the Trenches

In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, the “Sharing Power” theme is gaining traction. But what does it mean to share power, really, and how are organisations implementing this idea?

We recently asked people to explore these questions, and the results offer fascinating insights into the challenges and opportunities of power sharing in modern organisations.

If you have 4 minutes: Here's a breakdown of what they felt and thought (link)

If you have 30 seconds... Here are key takeaways:

1. “Sharing Power” is a complex process that requires tailored approaches, patience and persistence.

2- Successful implementation often starts with small, localised efforts before scaling up. It also needs a genuine will from the initial decision-makers to let go of some degree or form of power, and explicit accountability.

3. Clear communication and expectation setting are crucial for overcoming obstacles.

4. Sharing Power means the organisation is a welcoming place and "psychological safety", or what some of us prefer to call "psychological freedom", are non-negotiable.

5. There’s a strong need for more examples and best practices in this area.

Are you interested in diving deeper into “Sharing Power” strategies and see where to get started?

1- Have a look at this starter exercise: ‘The Sharing Power’ Wheel. If you are not already subscribed to my newsletter, do this here to get the pdf into your inbox.

2- Attend an introductory group coaching session to explore assumptions that are stopping you from sharing power (or claiming it?). Next event: Sharing Power: Composting Old Ways and Seeding New Habits - December 6th on Zoom.

3- Acquire the skills to equip your team or thinking partners with the conditions in which they will find ease, trust, and encouragement to think for themselves and challenge infrastructures that do not serve them anyone. Ideal if you want to learn how to turn yourself and others into a Thinking Environment, which is a foundational condition to implement a power-sharing strategy.

• "Develop a Thinking Partnership" Course -?27, 28 February, 28 March 2025, online. Cultivate trust, inspire change and help people reclaim their independent mind in 1-2-1 conversations. Ideal for Team leaders, coaches, mentors, advisors, or anyone who wants to think well in a 1-2-1 conversation…) Click here for more info and to book
• "Time to Think Foundation in Facilitation" Course?- 20-21 March? 2025 - Online - For team leaders, organisers, facilitators, board members, chairs, manager-coaches and people who want to think well and nurture equity in a team). Click here for more info and to book

I hope you'll find what you need. In any case, join us in exploring how we can create more equitable, effective, and encouraging workplaces.

??I am Servane, a whisperer for teams that are here to make a positive, inclusive, earth-loving impact and want to lead at the speed of trust. Send me a message if you want to discuss thinking partnerships and foster collective imagination to build your strategy. ??Subscribe to my complimentary Conscious Innovation updates for exclusive “Sharing Power” and wayfinding resources and insights!