During Power Shift, before the new equitable arrangements have coalesced into a functioning whole, it is usually useful to balance freedom and strong leadership. -- Tom
Doing informal things-- such as eating-- side by side can break down power differences. --Sue
Does the group know what's involved in Power Shift and are they committed to doing what's needed to accomplish it, or are they just feeling a disgruntled, adolescent irritation with authority? (See also Informing the Group Mind about what's involved.) -- Tom
During a Power Shift, both Naming dysfunctional power dynamics and Taking Responsibility require Courageous Modeling. -- Tom
Keeping experts to their appropriate role/input. --Tree
Power Shift requires calling attention to power dynamics as they play out in the group, a major form of Going Meta. -- Tom
Power Shift transforms Group Culture, will meet resistance from the old culture, and requires ongoing vigilance to sustain that cultural shift without new dysfunctional power dynamics replacing the old. -- Tom
As power devolves into the group, more people have to take responsibility for facilitative interventions in the group's process. -- Tom
Power dynamics are embedded in everyone's past social experience. Becoming aware of those experiences and of the larger histories, cultural patterns and assumptions, and institutionalized power relationships that give birth to them can help a group break out of dysfunctional power dynamics. -- Tom
Leveling power relationships involves lifting all members of the group (and perhaps humanity!) into a common atmosphere of respect, fellowship, and responsibility. -- Tom
Take this hot issue on to the extent the group is ready and able to do something constructive with it. -- Tom
Does the group have the capacity yet to digest these challenges to Power and privilege? What would ripen them? Are they ready yet to take responsibility for power-sharing? - Tom
There are often subgroup dynamics that are linked to power dynamics, e.g. around lines of communication. --Tree
A group of peers who engage in shame, blame and scapegoating will destroy itself from the inside and rapidly undermine its own power. Replacing these with Taking Responsibility is essential in an equitable group. -- Tom. People who want more power have to be willing to take the associated responsibility. --Tree
When the whole system is in the room power differences are visible and can be more openly worked with. --Sue
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