Episode 3: Jeff Couillard and Navigating Power Dynamics in Professional Spaces

In today’s episode, we got to converse with Jeff Couillard, currently the Board President of the Right Use of Power Institute and Co-CEO of the Ally Co. In our conversation, we delve into the nuanced complexities of power dynamics within professional settings. Jeff shares his journey into effectively understanding and utilizing power dynamics in various professional contexts, including addiction treatment programs, healthcare, leadership development, and more. He emphasizes the importance of the Right Use of Power™ and its impact on culture, leadership, and systemic change. Stemming from a need to address power structures within an addiction treatment center, Jeff delves into the meaningful integration of power dynamics understanding into leadership and organizational culture. By emphasizing the significance of collective power, the conversation discusses the challenges of misalignments between intention and impact, the paradox of power and accountability, and the necessity for a shift towards inclusive and participative decision-making in organizations. The dialogue further highlights the significance of deep listening and the responsibility of leaders to align actions with intended impacts. All this is to create a transformative potential of acknowledging and responsibly navigating power dynamics to foster environments of growth, collaboration, and equitable power distribution.

 

Articles Mentioned:

Cynefin Framework - 

https://thecynefin.co/about-us/about-cynefin-framework/?srsltid=AfmBOopKS68KEI6A2vIIiBCMOsF75EMCctOT8_uizeDXJCDvVC0LvkAc

 

Promo: Power-Conscious Authentic Leadership Program

https://rightuseofpower.org/leadership-series/

 

00:00 The Journey to Understanding Power Dynamics

00:41 Discovering the Language of Power in Addiction Treatment

03:08 Expanding the Power Conversation Beyond Addiction Treatment

05:11 Challenges and Resistance in Conversations About Power

07:17 Approaching Power Dynamics in Organizational Cultures

14:10 Navigating the Intention-Impact Gap in Leadership

19:59 Deep Listening and the Role of Power in Diversity and Inclusion

23:31 Exploring Power Dynamics and Organizational Change

24:03 The Role of Power in Healing and Growth

24:46 Systemic Power and Its Influence

27:05 Challenges in Consulting and Leadership Development

27:58 The Impact of Hyper-Individualized Approaches

31:00 Creating Sustainable Change in Organizations

35:32 The Importance of Collective Power and Accountability

42:57 Celebrating Success and Embracing Continuous Improvement