The Invisible Current: How Inclusion And Allyship Unlock Untapped Power

Forbes

20-07-2025

Underwater view with tuna school fish in ocean. Sea life in transparent water
For many of us, power feels like an elusive concept, something held by a select few at the top. Yet, what if the truth is far more common?
What if, like fish unaware of the water they swim in, most of us possess more power than we realize? This unacknowledged power, when recognized and strategically shared, becomes the bedrock of true inclusion and impactful allyship.
In today's dynamic professional landscape, understanding and leveraging this invisible current of power isn't just about doing good; it's about fostering innovation, driving growth, and creating a truly equitable environment for all.
From "Power Over" to "Power With": A Paradigm Shift in Allyship
The traditional view of power often leans into a "power over" dynamic—a hierarchical model where control and dominance reign. Think of the executive who says, "I'll talk to your manager on your behalf," or the seasoned professional who insists, "I had it hard, so you also must work hard." While seemingly helpful or even motivational, this approach inadvertently reinforces existing power structures and can breed dependency. It centers the aspiring ally, rather than empowering the individual they aim to support.
The true essence of allyship, however, lies in shifting to a "power with" mentality. This involves standing shoulder-to-shoulder with others, facing challenges as equal partners. As Bill Carmody, CEO of Trepoint, eloquently shared in our interview for my new book We Want You: An Allyship Guide for People with Power, his allyship journey began with the realization that he possessed rights others did not. This spurred him to consciously recruit more women and people of color, and to actively amplify their voices when they were marginalized. This isn't about giving away power; it's about sharing it, recognizing that power, far from being finite, is an infinite game that strengthens and expands when distributed.
Consider the contrast: instead of "I will set up the meeting for you," an ally practicing "power with" might say, "I'll introduce you, and I trust you to manage the meeting. Let me know how I can help." This empowers the individual, fosters autonomy, and builds a more collaborative relationship. It's about brainstorming strategies together, offering empathy, and asking, "What does support look like for you?" This subtle yet profound shift from a top-down approach to a lateral partnership is fundamental to cultivating genuine inclusion.
Values-Centered Allyship: Connecting Beliefs to Action
At the heart of effective allyship lies a deep alignment with shared values. Instead of dwelling on differences, true inclusion through allyship focuses on recognizing and centering common values.
According to the Schwartz Theory of Basic Values, our values are deeply held beliefs that shape our motivations and behavior. They are not merely abstract concepts but powerful drivers of our actions. For instance, if "security" is a core value, an ally might prioritize creating a safe and stable environment for colleagues, becoming a trusted confidante for challenges. If "universalism" resonates, as it did in the gay marriage example, the focus shifts to understanding, appreciating, and protecting the welfare of all people.
The key is to move beyond mere proclamations and embody these values through concrete actions. An organization that prioritizes core values can foster inclusion by unpacking the specific behaviors that support them. When values like respect, trust, or belonging are clearly connected to inclusive behaviors, it encourages more individuals to step up as allies. It's about making a habit of connecting your actions, and those of your team, to these inclusive values.
The Responsibility of Power: A Call to Allyship
Leaders, by virtue of their position and influence, inherently wield significant power. Jeffrey Pfeffer's "7 Rules of Power" distinguishes between formal power, derived from job titles, and informal power, which stems from personal qualities, relationships, and expertise. Regardless of its source, power presents a profound opportunity to help others. Rather than viewing it as a negative or something to hoard, we should reframe power as a chance to be an ally.
The challenge, however, is that power can often feel invisible to those who possess it. Like the fish in the water, it can be difficult for those in dominant groups (e.g., white, male, financially secure) to recognize that their lived experiences and access to resources may differ significantly from others. As an allyship trainer, I like an identity exercise, like the one licensed from the Cultural Intelligence Center, can make this invisible power visible. By reflecting on various identities—race, gender, socioeconomic class, abilities, and more—and assessing how safe one feels expressing them in the workplace, individuals can uncover unconscious biases and power differentials.
It's crucial to understand that the goal of this self-awareness isn't to induce guilt or shame but to acknowledge the power that comes from proximity to other powerful individuals or from simply being part of a dominant group. While being in a dominant group doesn't guarantee access to power, it often confers the benefit of the doubt and predisposes others to assume power, even in the absence of a formal title.
Consider the sales leader who unconsciously defaulted to engaging with dominant-group-presenting individuals in a mixed group, misreading the room and ultimately losing sales opportunities. This highlights the real "opportunity cost of exclusion": lost sales, reduced profits, and diminished impact. Or, another well-intentioned leader who was "flabbergasted" when his female staff member asked him to present her idea because "they will take it more seriously if it comes from you." This raw moment revealed the ingrained power dynamics at play.
Instead of simply presenting others' ideas as their own (a "power over" approach), allies share their power. That might mean inviting others to the meeting and pre-endorsing their ideas, using their influence to amplify others' voice. By ensuring proper credit, the "power with" approach creates more opportunity for everyone involved.
Unlocking Your Potential for Allyship
If you're still not convinced of your own power, or if you're unsatisfied with the quality of your relationships, the good news is that practicing allyship might be the perfect solution. It's about deepening existing relationships, building new and stronger connections, and ultimately, using your power for good.
Harvard's study on happiness finds that relationships are the biggest driver of happiness. Want to be happier? Try being a better ally to others.
No one has life easy. Allies refuse to let their own hardships define the experiences of others. Instead, they transform their past struggles into fuel for preventing similar difficulties for others. "If I had it hard, what could I do to prevent that from happening to other people?" This reframing is the essence of compassionate allyship.
It's time to discard the "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" mentality, which falsely assumes equal access to power and resources. Not everyone has bootstraps because not everyone is swimming in the same water.
Practical Steps to Power-Sharing for Inclusion
You possess power, and you can use it to foster inclusion. Here are concrete actions to reframe power as an opportunity for allyship:
These actions, though seemingly small, create significant ripples. A single email, a meeting invitation, or a supportive mention can achieve more in seconds than others might accomplish in weeks. By intentionally including others and sharing your power, you enhance your own relevance, enrich your team's perspective, and contribute to the overall success and profitability of your organization.
Power, when wielded for good, is undeniably a force for good. It's an open invitation to embrace your role as an ally and create a more inclusive and equitable world.
What small step will you take today to share your power? August 8 is International Allyship Day. Celebrate and engage people with power in allyship and inclusion.