Navigating Power Dynamics in the Workplace
A live, three-session, virtual course exclusively for The Co. Members - leaders and professionals who don’t want power to be their blind spot, and are ready to use it with aligned intent and impact.
Live Sessions
No lectures here. This course is about helping you to apply what you learn - as quickly as possible. Sessions will consist of three live, 90-minute, virtual Thursday sessions (12:00–1:30 PM MST on Zoom). Check out the schedule and details below!
Not a member? Join The Co. today, and save your spot :).
Thurs October 9th 12:00-1:30 PM MST | Fundamental RUP ConceptsIn this first session we introduce several core concepts from the Right Use of Power™ model to create shared language and understanding of power - what it is, where it comes from, and what often happens within power dynamics. We'll also be creating space for personal reflection on your own power history, and how that history has impacted your view on power and how to use it. |
Thurs October 23rd 12:00-1:30 PM MST | Deep Dive into the Up/Down Power DynamicIn this second session, we dive into how power shows up in relationships, with a deep dive on the up/down power dynamic, the shadow side of power, and how to create the conditions for healthier interpersonal and team relationships. By shifting to a proactive use of power, you'll learn how to identify and address issues and potential problems sooner (and faster), so that you can stay connected and aligned in your relationships. |
Thurs November 13th 12:00-1:30 PM MST | Power Tools and Communication SkillsIn this final session, we introduce a suite of practical communication tools and skills to help you communicate more consciously and effectively. You'll leave the course with a selection of practical playbooks and tools, having had the opportunity to practice those tools in a safe environment with peers and facilitators. |
Course Details
This course is open to all members of The Co. who want to become more conscious and skilled in the right use of their power - aligning intent with impact.
No prior Right Use of Power™ (RUP) experience or training is required - only a willingness to learn and reflect in a safe and open environment.
Leaders, managers, facilitators, educators, caregivers, and parents - anyone committed to growth, equity, and relational healing.
A clearer understanding of Personal and Role power
Deeper awareness of how power affects relationships
Tools for using your power more consciously
Strategies for repairing trust after misuses of power
Leadership rooted in accountability and compassion
This is not a lecture series. You’ll engage in real-life scenarios, reflection, and practice to develop habits of power that foster trust, equity, and respect.
All course sessions will be facilitated live and virtually (using Zoom) on the following Thursdays.
October 9th, 12:00-1:30pm MST
October 23rd, 12:00-1:30pm MST
November 13th, 12:00-1:30pm MST
Each session will be recorded and shared with participants, along with slides, handouts and a virtual whiteboard space.
Power is part of every relationship, whether we acknowledge it or not.
When used unconsciously, it can cause harm, even with the best intentions. When used skillfully, it becomes a force for trust, safety, and positive change.
Grounded in the work of Dr. Cedar Barstow, the Right Use of Power™ is a practical, relational, and inspiring approach to understanding and using your personal and positional power with awareness, integrity, and skill.
Jeff Couillard - a.k.a. Professor TACO - is Co.CEO & Chief Learning Architect at The Ally Co. (TACO).
In his role, Jeff helps senior leaders and their teams to:
connect with their power,
align with what is most meaningful, and
take positive action towards it.
Having spent his earlier years leading social impact teams and helping to build leading addiction treatment programs, Jeff has developed a skill set and approach to change that is grounded in the human experience, and a deep understanding of power and motivation.
How to Participate
Path 1 => If you're already a member of The Co., just make sure to show up :).
$0 USD
If these course sessions aren't in your calendar already, visit the Member Portal or reach out to Michelle directly.
Path 2=> Join The Co. and participate in this and many more exciting learning events!
$28 USD/mth ($336 USD/yr)
or
$253 USD/yr ($22 USD/mth)
Register before Fri Sept 5 and save almost 50% off (special founding member pricing ends then).
What your Peers have to say
Working in the non-profit and public service sectors, with a goal to create and nurture lasting social impact is extremely rewarding and fills a passion for so many.
It can also be lonely and uncertain work, often leaving leaders and teams with more questions than tools and answers.
The Ally Co.’s leadership workshops have provided real-time thinking and tools to help my teams foster more collaborative, impactful, and healthy cultural practices.
Eryn Dewald
Talent Development & Learning Senior Advisor, Alberta Health Services
The session was incredibly well received and impactful for our Inclusion Leadership Council. The experience broadened our understanding of power dynamics, especially in traditional corporate settings.
The tools were practical and enlightening, and we’re already thinking about how to embed them into onboarding and leadership development.
Personally, it really helped me reflect on my own influence as a leader.
Ashley Popko
Inclusion & Belonging Manager, TC Energy
The workshop, carefully crafted to encourage active participation, sparked meaningful conversations among our attendees.
The practical tools and strategies shared were immediately applicable, and the follow-up information provided by The Ally Co. further enriched the learning experience and ongoing conversations.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback we've received about the event speaks for itself.”
Julia Perkins
Corporate Communications Manager, Enmax
The Right Use of Power training was instrumental in helping me to form my specific understanding of power in the workplace and beyond.
The training is cost-effective and has immense value. Definitely recommend!
Director of DEI, Run for Something
Still have Questions?
We got you, and if you don't see what you're looking for, please make sure to reach out!
Not at all. This course is designed as an accessible introduction to RUP. Whether you're brand new or have read about it but never practiced it, you’ll find value in the content and exercises.
Unlike traditional trainings that focus on surface-level tactics, this course goes deeper, helping you understand what drives conflict, how to stay grounded in tense moments, and how to build trust and collaboration through authentic connection.
It’s a relational introduction to power, not transactional.
Yes! While many participants are in formal leadership roles, the skills are just as useful in peer relationships, client interactions, or personal settings. If you work with people (or live with them) this work will resonate.
As a member of The Co., you will have access to all of the recordings and tools.
That said, we encourage live attendance when possible so you can participate in the interactive components and practice in real time.
Any 'work' outside of the synchronous course time is entirely optional.
We may offer simple reflection prompts or practice suggestions between sessions, but the core learning happens during our 90-minute live sessions.
Practicing in small groups is a key part of learning RUP.
Breakout rooms will be gently facilitated and designed to feel safe and respectful, with clear structure and support.
No. This is a skills-based learning experience, not therapy or coaching (though the modality of coaching is engrained in our approach).
We’ll explore real-life scenarios and emotions, but the intention is to build practical tools and awareness, not process personal trauma or provide mental health support.
Ready to level up your power-awareness?
Join The Co., and our growing community of impact-conscious leaders.
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