Because of how often power is abused, some people think of it as intrinsically negative, but of course power is neither good nor bad; it depends on how it is conceptualized and applied.

This insightful infographic illustrates two contrasting approaches to power: “Power Over” vs. “Power With.”

Leaders who operate from a “Power Over” perspective generate fear, undermine and blame others, prey on the vulnerable, hoard their power, and are divisive.

In contrast, leaders with a “Power With” approach create safe spaces, involve empathy as a connector, operate in a way that is based on trust, transparency, respect, and common sense, and understand “the power of giving away power.”

What has been your experience with these two types of power?

And how might you help your organization embrace, or lean toward, a “Power With” approach?