THE POWER OF DIFFERENCE MODEL (PDM)
Race 
Gender Religion Sexual Orientation Disability Class Culture
We’ve consistently observed 3 unconscious patterns of thinking and belief related to our differences in our work across many fields over the last 20 years. These patterns can limit us and create conflict in our lives and organizations, keeping us from our deepest purpose. This is the PDM.
We’ve also developed an innovative, scientifically valid and reliable tool to measure these patterns. And we’ve discovered that just by becoming aware of them means a choice becomes possible: the choice to shift into the driver’s seat of our own lives and go after whatever it is that holds our deepest sense of purpose. This is why The Sum is here.
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"
UNDERSTANDING
TRUTH
BRAIN
I value differences, intelligence, open-mindedness and understanding. I experience the world and myself primarily through the brain. I treat others the way they would like to be treated.
LIMITATIONS: I don’t want to offend so I can feel stuck or confused. I can be patronizing as I try to get others to “get it”, to “understand like me.” I can feel exhausted and hopeless with what seems like an endless struggle.
Fear response: freeze
Politics: tends liberal
Archetype: Magician
ONENESS/ "TINMAN"
UNITY CONNECTION HEART 
I devalue differences in favor of our common humanity, unity, and collaboration. I experience the world and myself primarily through the heart. I treat others the way I would like to be treated.I think of myself as a bridge-builder.
LIMITATIONS: I can over-value sameness and fail to impact in alignment with my intentions. I tend to avoid conflict.
Fear response: flight
Politics: tends moderate
Archetype: Lover
STRENGTH "LION"
COURAGE
POWER
GUT
I evaluate differences & value courage, loyalty, decisiveness, clarity, protection, self-sacrifice, a& winning. I believe in the “survival of the fittest.” I experience myself & the world primarily through my gut.
LIMITATIONS: I seek dominance over others & can create enemies. I can be combative.
Fear response: fight
Politics: tends conservative
Archetype: Warrior
Integration/ Leveraging/ "Glinda the Good Witch"
Archetype: The Sovereign
Location: Crown of the Head
The more we come to know our primary pattern (its assets and liabilities) & how to integrate or leverage the assets of the all three patterns, the more we unleash our effectiveness: always within us first. From here, we increasingly become a catalyst for solidarity & meaningful change across differences in our family, organization, community, & world.
As we integrate or leverage the assets of all three 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)