Wednesday, 6 July 2011

Power Imbalances

As mentors and befrienders with adults, we should aim to minimise power imbalances. We meet as equals open to learning from each other.

What do you do to eliminate power imbalances with your buddies?

1 comment:

  1. Power imbalances can unintentionally arise. Take for example, the helper and the helped. Or provider and client. In a past role, I met regularly with a newly arrived refugee family in their home. First, we mutually agreed it was the best place to meet based on individual circumstances. Unexpectedly, it created a role reversal, putting them in the position of host and me as guest. This helped to naturally equalise power issues within the relationship. It also provided an opportunity for reciprocity.

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