A power dynamic is a difference in power, influence, or authority between people or positions. In collaborative modeling, formal and informal rank shapes whose ideas are heard, how people behave, and which designs emerge. section 6.1.1 section 6.7
Use the following practices to reduce the effects of power gradients during collaborative modeling:
- Understand the power dynamic among stakeholders before inviting them, and make your explicit rank as facilitator clear. section 6.7
- Make implicit rank visible, especially when highly ranked participants might dominate discussion or lower-ranked participants might struggle to be heard. section 6.7
- If completeness and broad participation matter, prevent higher-ranked participants from sharing their views first. section 6.4
- Discuss expected power effects with highly ranked participants, align on session goals, and strategize before the meeting. section 6.4
Map ranking before a meeting
Write down symbols of power in the group, review who is invited, and identify people you consider more or less powerful. Explain why, then reflect on how those differences could affect the meeting and its outcomes. To open discussion, ask participants to place a dot on a line from “not at all” to “absolutely” in response to: “Do you experience an effect of ranking on this team?” section 6.4
