Too many people think of power negatively, associating it with the concept mostly allied with Power Over. Power Over, also known as Role Power, is authoritarian and tied to the position someone has. Because it is given due to a title, it is the least productive type of power. As School Librarians and leaders, we need to learn, use, and grow other types of power and most specifically Power With and Power Within. When we come from the power within us and strive to empower those around us, we can better deal with the many challenges we face today.

Some power is offered due to physical appearance. Someone who is louder or larger may seem to imbue or manifest power more easily. But that doesn’t lead to the collaborations and connections we want. Leslie Williams discusses using non-coercive forms of power and what to rely on in her blog post The Four Pillars of True Power. Consider which of the following are already part of your interactions with yourself and others and which you need to strengthen.

1. Grounding – What is the solid ground beneath your feet? Hopefully, you can draw on three Grounding Elements: your code of values, your Mission, and your Vision. As Williams say, it keeps us “stable in the face of challenge.” With all the challenges we are facing, this Pillar is imperative as it gives you confidence in what you say and do. Grounded power isn’t out of control. It is solid.
2. Focus – Focus grows out of grounding. It is what allows you to stay calm in the eye of the storm and is probably the hardest to achieve and maintain in the face of stress and challenges. You need Focus to make choices, accessing those elements that ground you. Williams says, “Focus concentrates your energy, enabling you to act and speak with intent and precision.” Consider starting each day reviewing the previously mentioned three grounding elements before launching into the daily routine.
3. Strength – Strength in this connotation refers to courage and the ability to accomplish the task at hand. When not connected to Power Over, it comes out of the first two pillars. They give you the confidence to move out of you comfort zone. Strength is the grit and determination to push forward knowing the values you resolved to protect. Yes, your physical and emotional well-being may be brutally affected, but you persevere because of the power in your Grounding Elements and your desire to support and strengthen your program. The librarians who have been facing the attacks directed show their strength by their still being in the fight. I greatly admire them all.
4. Flexibility – This can be the hardest to attain. Flexibility while still holding onto the other three principles can seem impossible, yet great leaders know how to adjust. Librarians are getting hit with more rules and regulations than ever. Look for the loopholes in laws/rules that go against your Vision. Listen to and get help from your Advisory Committee. Purchase books with your own money so that the public budget isn’t being used and privately allow kids who need them to borrow those books or read them in a quiet corner. Look for the ways to be flexible while keeping to your Mission so that you keep the existence of a school library safe.

A final important aspect of power is that of connection. Not only do we want to do what it takes to be connected to the teachers and students in our school, but no one understands our challenges better than other librarians. Look for ways to get and give support whether that’s local, state, or national organizations. Support them by being an active member. Reach out to and build your PLN. Even social media can be a powerful tool in uniting us. When we work together, our power – and our potential for impact – grows.