Five Faces of Power

Two main points of the five faces of power is this:
first, that I need to think of power in broader terms than I usually have, and
second, that each face of power can be either holy/creative or distorted/destructive.

Because of my negative experiences with power, I have generally considered it to nearly always be negative. But even when I am protesting against "The Powers", I am exercising power. More on that later.

Back to the book...

Power On -- this is basically the power to do things, to influence my environment and circumstances, to "run my life". Lack of power leads to over-dependence. Too much leads to the illusion of autonomy (I can do this all by myself).

Power Over -- the strength to take charge, to give direction, to manage the power of others. Distortions include constraining and coercion, manipulation and the pursuit of private gain.

Power Against -- the strength to test myself, to learn that I can fall without being shamed, to deal constructively with conflict, to be able to stand in the face another person's power and survive. Distortions are obvious.

Power For -- the strength to pursue someone else's benefit, to further the goals of a group, the strength to nurture and minister. Distortions include dominance and the distortion of "I know best what's good for you".

Power With -- the strength to share in mutual empowerment, to collaborate, be dependable and to be able to depend on others, to receive and benefit from others' power, to recognize my limits.