The Power Agility workshop builds on the work of Berit Ås, a Norwegian politician, psychologist and a feminist, interested in behaviours leading to some voices being heard more than others or perpetuating exclusion from decision making processes (called master suppression techniques).
Domination behaviours are fuelled by societal norms and can lead to discrimination and prejudice. Berit Ås detected and observed these mechanisms as a woman entering male-dominated political power structures. Whilst important for positive gender relations, understanding power suppression can also improve relationships in many other contexts, and towards minority groups or individuals.
Exclusion and disempowerment lead to sub-functional teams, frustration, burnout, hidden conflicts and underutilisation of human resources.