What does Power mean to you?

I recently posed this question at a recent Supper Club dinner I was hosting:

"What does Power mean to you? When do you feel powerful? (and when have you felt powerless?) "

The conversation that ensued was fascinating. What I learned is that we have such emotionally charged responses to the idea of 'power.' Some of us interpret it negatively, hinged on our experiences with power to control, to dominate, to dictate. 'Power' is therefore to be 'rejected'.

Others view it through the lens of 'empowered' - a woman's physical (super) power to give birth. Or the power of 'being in your truth' - that feeling of facing up to who you are and knowing your non-negotiables. Owning your truth and rising up (despite your fears)- to declare it. Others talked about being 'fully present' with another human being - that feeling of 'connectedness'.

The conversation we had was rich, multi layered and revealing in our experiences, our hopes and our fears. It encouraged an interrogation of whether power was inherently good or bad?

As a group of women, we talked about patriarchal structures, challenging systems, the times we've felt hopelessly 'powerless', the influence of upbringing in shaping our ideas of power. It made me want to pose this question to a group of men. I'm curious about what a gendered (yet hopefully equally vulnerable) lens on this topic might reveal.

Martin Luther King, Jr. defined power as:

?"The ability to achieve purpose and effect change."?

One could interpret this definition as having the ability to wield itself for 'good' and for 'bad'. As highlighted by Brene Brown:

What makes power dangerous is how it’s used. Power over is driven by fear.?Daring and transformative leaders share power with, empower people to, and inspire people to develop power within.

I like this framing of 'Power Over' vs 'Power With'. I can think of many instances when I've experienced (and been at the mercy of) 'both' kinds of power styles. Many instances of observing leadership styles - those wielding 'power over' (through fear and authority) and those who inspire through the sharing of 'power with' and 'power to'.

I was also recently sharing this book 'New Power' at a recent free breakfast series called 5 Things hosted by Andy Irvine (link to talk )

The premise is based on the idea that OLD POWER wields itself like a Currency (to be held on to, not shared) whilst NEW power operates like a Current (liquid, spreads, shareable)- and that those who flourish in this century will be those who can channel the participatory energy of those around them.

The most powerful movements of recent times (eg Black Lives Matter) have been powered through the peer driven energy of the black community. This table/ chart highlights some of the principle differences between Old and New Power.

They also frame leadership styles (eg inclusive leadership styles that harness the power of their teams for change vs those who hoard and wield power to control). A book worth reading and a topic I could spend endless hours on!

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In other news, a collection of interesting things I've seen this week. You could say they're all different ways power is wielded - for good and for bad:

???? Book bans are rising at a rapid rate in US schools (read more in link below) - this makes me so angry. Books have the power to educate. To expand young minds. To help us feel less alone. To open our worlds.

But here's an interesting (and hopeful) article on how people are responding (with pop-up libraries in Ben & Jerry outlets) - even booksellers are giving away some banned books for free.

???? Starbucks Brazil offers support to Transgender community by changing store to 'registry office' for those looking to legally change their name and gender on their birth certificates.

They've also been offering legal support & psychological well being for their staff/ partners from the transgender community. This 'I am' project has been running 4 years. That's commitment - and that's turning your purpose into action by understanding your community's pain points, and offering genuine, useful support. (link below)

???? Barbie launches Down Syndrome Barbie, the latest in a range of 'inclusive barbies' as part of its commitment for "all children to see themselves in Barbie" as well as "play with dolls who do not look like themselves".

Mattel said it worked closely with the US National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to ensure its latest doll accurately represented a person with Down's syndrome.

I've been curious about the latest Barbie movie (launching this summer) and how the company is going to create a '2023 relevant' storyline featuring a beautiful white blonde bombshell Barbie and equally oiled and muscled Ken. Keeping a close eye - will let you know!

Link below on the inclusive Barbie range:

???? British Vogue and Brides India - latest issues below. Both magazine paying homage to diversity and inclusion. Marriage equality and Transgender rights (Brides India) and Visible and Non Visible Disability rights (British Vogue).

See Linkedin post I wrote about it here:

????Two books i've recently read on coaching that I've really enjoyed:

???? If you missed it, watch a snappy 15 min segment I recently did with Leo Young of Good Nugget on Inclusive Branding - WHAT is it and WHY it's important

???? As always, a random bit of fun to finish the week. Listen to this song. It cracks me up.

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???? A screenshot this time about Crew & Riot and what I do. I also have an official work email now ???? - if you'd like a chat, email me on [email protected] I'd love to hear from you!

Have a gorgeous weekend wherever you are! xx Chin Ru