Numerous retorts on the differences between ”Power With” and “Power Over”, were given by different school leaders, but generally they talked about when one person or party makes a choice and it affects someone else, we call that power over. When a group of people make a choice that affects them all, we call that power with. When a person makes a choice which primarily affects them alone, we call that empowerment.
Some might remember the cartoon where the boss yells at the worker, the worker then goes home and yells at their partner, then the child is yelled at, and later the child is seen taking it out on the family pet. So how do we work and live appreciatively with each other? How does a school leader get the best out of the people who work under her/his management? The answer may be to look at the balance of power.
In school work circles, strengths-based practice is a framework that is often used when working with people. Within this framework is the concept of power-with, the opposite of power-over. Conceptually it is about treating others justly. The supervisory relationship that a leader has with a worker creates a power-over relationship, but it can be the actions and behavior of a leader that can restore the balance, and ensure successful outcomes for the school. There should always be checking of balance when it comes to leadership approach, so that no one is being mistreated that could lead to other problems.
“Power-with is not possible without respect. It requires a belief in people’s potential; honoring and valuing their strengths and seeking to learn from them.” (McCashen, 2015) There is the view that even though we are all unique, there are more similarities between people than there are differences, and school leaders as one of the front liners in education should really have proper implementation of leadership practices and styles because these might have a riffle effect on how teachers will lead their students towards progressive society.
In the same lieu, teachers are leaders in different ways. This could be in an activity, classroom, event, projects, etc. Thus, the ‘Power With’ approach is also useful for them, as they need to decide not only for themselves but mostly for the common good of the number reason for the existence of schools – students. In some cases, teachers implement a consultative approach to decision making inside the classroom, where they ask the students to set rules and regulations, deadlines, or guidelines to follow in an activity. In this manner, everyone’s decision can have an impact for themselves. Hence, everybody in the class knows where the ship is sailing.
There is no one perfect leadership style. There would be lots of trials and error, and learning. In the end it is how we go about getting the best out of people, and a ‘power with’ approach may be the answer you are looking for yourself and your leaders and for your people.
By: Marivic F. Ordonio|Teacher III| Olongapo City National High School | Olongapo City
