In this chapter we discuss what power is and note that people usually have negative connotations of power. We compare and contrast three different views of power—either/or power, both/and power, and designated power. Also, many times people deny power in various ways.

Power is presented as a relational concept rather than as an attribute of the individual. Our power currencies are described as “spendable” energy that can be used in conflictual relation- ships. Power imbalances often impede conflict management; the various ways to deal with too much or too little power are described, with spe- cific suggestions on how to balance power in pos- itive ways. Suggestions for people in low power end the chapter.