One of my challenges as a leader is to accept the power differential between me and my students.
Personally, I tend to think of myself as a peer to my students – students of any age. We are all fellow travelers on a journey of learning, and I know that while I might be farther down the road in some areas, there are fifteen-year-olds who have had life experiences I will never have. I honor it, and in my head, I see no difference in our worth or power.
Nonetheless, it’s easy to see that there is a real power differential between us. I have authority as a teacher and professor. I have authority as their elder. I have authority as an expert in my field. On the other side of the power differential, it’s easy to feel – even when I do nothing to expand or capitalize on it.
There is simply nothing I can do about it – just like I can’t be my kids’ friend! I have to accept the power differential because the relationship is set by culture, by common practice, by history. I can’t change it.
It changes the type of conversations I have and don’t choose to have. It changes the way I show respect for my students and their boundaries.
Of course, there’s danger in going too far the other way – accepting, embracing, and then abusing the power differential. And so while I respect the differential, I also do my very best to lift up my students, to empower them in every way I can.
If you’re like me, work to always be aware of the power differential, so you can empower your students.
If you’re comfortable with the power differential, work to step back from it, so you can empower your students.