Global Action Plan International

The relation between information, knowledge and action is not simple. We constantly screen out information offered to us by media, other people, and even our own experience. If it doesn’t ”fit”, we reject it.

Information, knowledge, action...

What is change, and how does it happen?...

Who are we, where do we come from, and whereare we going? These are the timeless questions, relevant not only forphilosophers and theologists but also for anyone concerned with empowerment.

Is this empowerment?
My goals are clear.
“Impossible” is not in my vocabulary.
I know just what you need.
I always get what I want.
Believe me, this is the way it is.
You have to keep after people if you want something done.
No I don’t need help, I can manage.

Not really – it’s more like control than power. The difference is: the need to control comes from fear. Is that not true? If I feel a need to control someone, is it not because I’m afraid they will do or say something not to my liking?

How easy it is to describe feelings of powerlessness!
There’s nothing I can do.
I can’t/I must.
It’s time they did something about it.
It makes me so angry.
I could weep when I see what they’re doing.
You can’t pick up the paper without getting angry or upset.
Everything I do turns sour on me.
Murphy was an optimist.
Everyone’s out for himself.
You can’t trust anyone.
They’ll stop you if they can.
Whatever I do someone will criticize – better keep my head down.

We are all hypnotized, said Willis Harman. Hypnotized into believing we are less than we are, into staring at what is – or may be – impossible.

Empowerment is about adventure, about exploring the largely unknown continent of the possible, both for us and for others. The adventure, this exploration, is as real and tangible as any journey of Magellan or Colum-bus. It takes us into deep space – inner space – and, just like the other form of space travel, brings a new perspective on ourselves and our world; our real world, the neighbourhood and community in which we live.

What is empowerment? – attitude and worldview....

The ability to coach people in an empowering way is useful and, indeed, increasingly in demand in many different contexts. For instance,

• Managers learn to coach their staff
• Consultants and counsellors learn to coach their clients
• Trainers learn to coach their participants
• Teachers learn to coach their pupils

Questions for Empowering Dialogue, QED, is an advanced course for experienced coaches, trainers, managers and others with a thirst to continue honing their coaching skills.