Kate Gerson is joined by Rethinc partner, Brandy Nelson, in a thoughtful discourse about the implications of power dynamics within organizational culture. Lisa Delpit's 1988 article, “The Silenced Dialogue: Power and Pedagogy in Educating Other People's Children,” was used as an impetus to their discussion – analyzing how this age-old concept of power profoundly shapes our experiences even today. From unspoken codes of conduct to critical aspects of work culture embedded within organizations, they discussed how these factors influence everyday interactions between individuals across lines of difference and unpacked how these dynamics are often built upon preexisting ideologies supported by those with power.
In this episode, we discuss:
1:35 – Introduction to Dr. Brandy Nelson, Partner at Rethinc
2:48 – Manifestations of power in the workplace
8:08 – Lisa Delpit’s five aspects of power
9:07 – Implicit codes that are enacted in the workplace
15:40 – Access to power in relation to race
20:31 – Those with power are frequently least aware of its existence
28:00 – The importance of slowing down to listen
36:08 – Disengagement in the workplace
38:14 – What do I do now to turn the culture of my organization around?
41:19 – The first step to change the culture of your company
49:13 – The importance of company culture and how to empower employees
56:37 – Leading in a way that acknowledges humanity
1:04:20 – The relationship between leadership and care
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