Reframing Power

Saturday, August 22nd, 2026

We women have been struggling with ambivalence and experiences about power for centuries. Women have been encased by dominating power, avoided our own expressions of power and submitted to the shadows of powerlessness. Laura Kray, an organizational psychologist, and authors Katty Kay and Claire Shipman and we recommend that the definition of power be reframed from the traditional definition of control, authority or influence over others as “power over,” to a newer form, a distinctly female version, “power with..  Consider “power to” as a means to maximize the impact of change, and, more importantly,   “power with” as  a communal exercise.

In previous writings, we have designated the difference between power over and power to. As well as power with. We define power as first and foremost a personal, internal process ranging from powerless to powerful. It involves finding one’s voice, growing in confidence and acknowledging personal authority. Externally, power is manifest in the mutual influence of other’s questions, judgments, emotions and behaviors.

“Power With” is inherent in our concept of reciprocal learning and leadership. It multiples the personal power of the participants through mutual influence and creation. To understand the process fully, see our new book, Women’s Ways of Leading: Revisited. 

The pathway from Powerless to Power With is the journey of a lifetime. See our next posting for how to compose a powerful life.

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