There are veiled threats, open threats, unspoken threats and curbed threats.
Threats come about when people are frustrated, feel as though they are powerless, or when they know that they have the power.
Power, of course, is influence and control of events. But the weird thing about power is that it works two ways, kind of like nuclear forces. There is strong power and weak power.
Strong power controls resources, affects goal achievement and creates dependency.
Weak power releases resources, impacts goal achievement and creates independence.
The presence of strong power creates consequences, as does the presence of weak power.
Threats link power to outcomes that are perceived as negative based upon the perception of the receiver of the threat, not the sender of the threat.
The receiver mistakenly believes that they are rendered powerless by the threat. And in a harmful conflict environment, more disputes arise when a receiver believes that they have no agency or autonomy.
When was the last time you felt the strength of weak power in your organization?
-Peace Be With You All-
Jesan Sorrells, MA
Principal Conflict Engagement Consultant
Human Services Consulting and Training (HSCT)
Email HSCT: jsorrells@hsconsultingandtraining.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HSConsultingandTraining
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Sorrells79
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