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 of religion, race, class, culture, gender, disability and sexual orientation. in our work across many fields over the last 20 years. We’ve found that these patterns can limit us and create conflict in our lives and organizations, keeping us from our deepest purpose. AND their integration holds a key to unlock our personal sense of purpose, connection, and empowerment. This is the PDM.

We’ve 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?

We call these three patterns:

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 – The Wizard of Oz Analogy

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 also get exhausted as this struggle seems hopeless.

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 see 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 and value courage, loyalty, decisiveness, clarity, protection, self-sacrifice, and winning at all cost. I believe in the “survival of the fittest.” I experience myself and the world primarily through my gut.

Limitations: I seek dominance over others, and can create enemies. I can be overly combative.

Fear response: fight

Politics: tends conservative

Archetype: Warrior

Integration/Leveraging/Glinda the Good Witch

The more we come to know our primary pattern (its assets and liabilities) and 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 and meaningful change across differences in our family, organization, community, and world.

Location: The crown of the head

Archetype: The Sovereign

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)