How to Power-Map Your Systems
As Untapped Leaders, every one of us must navigate different systems. These include our microsystems or our immediate teams, supervisors, and clients. Our broader workplace systems encompassing our organizations and communities at large. And finally, our macro systems which include the other organizations, political, financial, and legal systems that impact and influence us.
Each of these systems holds power. And power is a spectrum.
There’s formal and informal power — those who make decisions and those who influence the decision-makers. Systemic and societal power — the political and cultural influences. And our own Untapped power — our unique experiences and perspectives as Untapped Leaders.
As we do the intentional and thoughtful work of leadership, it’s helpful to understand the connection between ourselves and our systems. One way to do this is by power-mapping.
What is Power-Mapping
Power-mapping is a systems-thinking analysis that allows us to map the different types of power and systems we interact with. It helps us better understand our systems and identify where we hold power. When we’re clear on the power around us, we are better informed on how to engage with it to achieve our goals.
As you prepare to power-map your systems, reflect on the different types of power and who or what that looks like for you. Think about:
Who or what holds decision-making power within your organization?
Who or what influences those decision-makers?
What legal, financial, and/or political systems have power and influence in your work?
What societal power do others hold?
Think about your own power and the untapped power your unique perspective may provide.
Power-Mapping Your Systems
Once you have some base-level reflections in place, it’s time to start power mapping. Here’s a simple exercise for you to get started.
Write down the people and entities of each system you’re part of. Be sure to note their relevant proximity to you.
For each person/entity, explore the type of power they hold. Note their interest/influence in your work, if known.
Document the types of power you hold.
Draw a line between people/entities to note power relationships.
After you power-map your systems, spend some analyzing what your map revealed. Think about other connections you can make between yourself, the different systems, and the different types of power they hold. What takeaways came up about where you hold power and how you can use it to achieve your goals? Continue to build and expand on your power map as you navigate systems and recognize the types of power you encounter.