ABSTRACT
Individuals striving for power, accumulating more and more responsibility and thus undermining democratic processes, are not only tolerated in hierarchical organisations, they are enabled and lauded through the concept of a career. This chapter explores egalitarian working relationships characterised by an absence of vertical power. Goal-oriented relationships are important because they focus on change. They are interesting because although they incorporate key aspects of a Relational Approach, the person using such skills always has an agenda. The chapter discusses safeguards against exploitation in relationships. Mentoring is a form of relationship often deployed in organisations to support people in adjusting to new roles. They are horizontal in terms of power, and the chapter discusses how the partnerships sometimes mirror the difficulties one experiences in romantic relationships. Finally, it addresses supervision, or less formally the provision of a facilitated reflective space, which is believed to be necessary for all working in relationally challenging activities.
