THE POWER OF DIFFERENCE MODEL (PDM)
What is the PDM?
The PDM identifies 3 primary patterns of behavior, thought, and feeling related to our differences of race, sexual orientation, gender, socio-economic class, religion, disability, and culture.
These patterns are:
Sensitivity
Oneness
Strength
These patterns operate unconsciously within us, between us, in our communities, organizations, and society.
Our primary patterns come from early childhood learning about what will keep us safe.
If we aren’t aware of them, they can cause internal conflict and conflict with others who hold different primary patterns.
Learn More About These Patterns
3 Patterns, 3 Powers
Scarecrow = Sensitivity (mind)
Tin Man = Oneness (heart)
Lion = Strength (courage)
Sensitivity/Scarecrow: I value intelligence, open-mindedness, understanding, and difference. I don’t want to offend so I can get stuck or confused around differences. I can be patronizing as I try to “get others to get it”.
Archetype: Magician
Politics: Tend Liberal
Learning Edge: Strength
Oneness/Tin Man: I value compassion and connection. I devalue difference and can over-value sameness. I can fail to impact others as I intend and I tend to avoid conflict. “Why can’t we just get along.”
Archetype: Lover
Politics: Moderate
Learning Edge: Sensitivity
Strength/Lion: I value loyalty, bravery, protection, self-sacrifice, and winning. I evaluate differences, seek dominance, and can create an “enemy.”
Archetype: Warrior
Politics: Tend Conservative
Learning Edge: Oneness
Leveraging the assets of all three perspectives/patterns people report experiencing
- greater effectiveness across difference
- recognition of our own privilege and how to use it effectively
- impact for others, generally, as intended
- a sense of solidarity across differences
- pride without prejudice
- an ability to “courageously refuse both silence and violence”
- the courage to withdraw participation in violent aspects of systems
- the capacity to catalyze meaningful systemic change without effort
- greater internal stability: less rising and falling on external conditions
- greater personal clarity, mission, and fulfillment
- an ability to hold others accountable without blame or shame
- less burnout and overwhelm related to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)