Impact
I recently read an article in the July/August 2021 edition of the Exchange magazine, Power Dynamics in Early Learning: The Language We Use, by Nichole Parks and Judy Jablon. To my surprise, I was able to make some stark connections between ideas included in the article and coaching concepts.
The authors extended an invitation to their readers to consider the impact you want to have. As we know, relationships are key and how we choose to interact with others can have a substantial ripple effect, either positive or negative. When we invite partnerships, it helps to build trust, respect, and mutuality. On the flip side, our words and actions have the potential to undermine strong, positive relationships.
Does a situation come to mind where the language within a conversation created an imbalance of power? It’s likely that it’s happened to all of us at one time or another. The authors recommend paying “attention to the impact of our words and actions” and consistently offering “invitations to explore ideas, solutions, and possibilities with others.”
How are you engaging others to share their ideas and to learn together? It takes practice to be intentional about adjusting our word choice to strengthen equity and shared power. Here are a couple of examples from the article:
Instead of… I am going to let you talk. Try… I would like to hold space for you.
Instead of… Tell me what you are thinking? Try... I am curious. Can you share with me what you are thinking?
What examples come to your mind? I can’t wait to hear about your experiences as you explore these ideas. Please share your thoughts with me.
Submitted by,
Barb Willier, Coaching Coordinator
Pennsylvania Key
Rasheeda Coston, Director of Coaching
Pennsylvania Key
Parks, N., Jablon, J. (2021) Power dynamics in early learning: The language we use. Exchange, 43(4), 18-21.
