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Obsession with power dynamics traps us in monocular vision.

Power is about competition, winners, and losers.

Value is about moral principles and beliefs that guide behavior and relationships.

The study of value dynamics—the creation and protection of values—can transform societies and families.

Power dynamics have become the lens through which authors, educators, advocates, politicians, therapists, and relationship partners view the world in general and relationships in particular. While it’s useful to shine a light on power dynamics, we must be aware that light creates shadows. It's in the shadows between power and value that most human interactions occur.

Traditionally, the term “power dynamics” referred to influence, authority, control of resources, and defining certain behaviors by making laws and establishing norms. In recent years, the concept of power has expanded to control of what people think, feel, and say, and that is where it most diverges from value dynamics.

Value refers to the moral principles and beliefs that guide individual actions, relationships, and decisions. It's an internal compass that reflects what one finds meaningful, ethical, aesthetic, or important. Though most often used as a noun, “value” is better understood as a verb. To value is to hold something or someone as important, worthy of appreciation, and whatever time, effort, and sacrifice may be necessary to maintain and protect. Value dynamics concerns the processes of value creation, protection, and........

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