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Power differentials - The Corporatzi
One of the key elements in having a results-only conversation is learning to manage the hidden dynamics of power.
Instead of asking a few powerful questions to interrupt the other person’s pattern of focusing attention on herself and bring that person out of victim mode, the communicator decided to identify with her instead as a way of interrupting the process.
Does identifying with the other person work when we want to interrupt a pattern or game? In this example the primary communicator gave up any personal power she had, and then it becomes difficult to initiate a shift to action later. Empathy is a powerful tool and although we need to reflect back our understanding of the emotions, situation and impact on the other person, true empathy works when the communicator speaks from a neutral position of personal power that is well grounded.
Questions
- How aware are you of the power differentials at work and how they can impact on the outcome of your conversations?
- What is an effective way to engage with someone who wants to control a conversation?
- What is an effective way to engage with someone who plays a victim role in conversations? – i.e. I need a break and it’s unfair to hold me accountable.
I go into detail on Power Differentials at Work in my Clear Results-only Conversations Workshop.
~ Dene Rossouw
TheNarrativeCoach.com
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Tags: communicator, empathy, personal power, power differentials
