1. Power, privilege, Rank and Response

2. Power To influence and to do Power is neither good nor bad
We all have multiple forms of power
It’s composed of our talents, skills, abilities, characteristics
Power comes in many different forms

3. Privilege Freedom, license, opportunities and advantages
Privilege exists in a social context
We are more aware of the privilege that we don’t have than the privilege that we do have
Our privilege directly impacts our ability to exercise our power

4. EVERYONE HAS POWER PRIVILEGE IS THE “GATEKEEPER”

5. Common Western Privilege (Arnold Mindell, Ph.D.)
UNEARNED
MOSTLY EARNED
BOTH
Age
Gender
Sexual Orientation
Skin Color
Expertise
Profession
Spirituality
Economic Class
Education
Mental Health
Physical Health
Religion

6. Common Western Privilege (Arnold Mindell, Ph.D.)
UNEARNED
MOSTLY EARNED
BOTH
Age (Generations)
Gender
Sexual Orientation
Skin Color (Race)
Expertise
Profession
Spirituality
Economic Class
Education
Mental Health & Physical Health (Disabilities)
Religion

7. Rank The sum of one’s privileges (not your GS#)
The more you have, the less conscious of it you tend to be
Rank can be used consciously or unconsciously
Rank can be used with intent to empower or disempower

8. “If you use rank consciously, it’s medicine. Otherwise it’s poison.”
~Arnold Mindell, Ph.D.

9. POISONOUS Use of rank Creates the likely responses of: Fight: Flight:
Grievances, positioning, sabotage, retribution, speaking truth to power, change efforts, political action…
Flight:
Withdrawal, transfers, attrition…
Freeze:
Compliance, submission, silence…

10. MEDICINAL Use of rank Creates an opening for:
New information, ideas and solutions
Increased productivity
Curiosity about marginalized voices
Collaborative leadership
Co-creating from common interests
Vigorous debates
Openness to influence