Cedar Barstow

Recognizing how power works

A practical book that helps readers learn to appreciate that power is a gift to be properly managed, as opposed to ignored or suppressed (i.e., idea of dissolving hierarchies). Among the most helpful ideas are the following:

- ethics of power are not the same as intentions, but how power is actually used
- everyone finds themselves in an up- or down-power position in any number of circumstances, and needs to learn how to navigate what this means (understanding power differentials)
- those in up-power positions bear more responsibility for ensuring that situations with down-power are managed well
- everyone must take responsibility for using their power well, regardless of what measure they have at their disposal

This book would be especially helpful within religious organizations where at times power differentials may not be given proper attention, leading to unintentional but real organizational injury for those in down-power positions.… (meer)