Some people may have negative associations with power. This may be because most persons can remember situations when they have felt powerless, or times where they have felt someone else exert power against their wishes. On the other hand, some persons may recall positive experiences with power, or may have utilized their power to do wonderful things. In the KELP training program, we believe that power is neutral, intrinsically neither good nor bad.
Power exists in all social systems and in all human relationships.
Power is not a thing, but is an aspect of all relationships among people. As human relationships change, so do the power dynamics. Linked very closely with the concept of power, is the concept of influence. I often hear persons say that they wish they had influence in a situation or with a certain person. What many persons don't recognize is that their very being has an influence on others and the rest of the world.