This talk addresses one central question:

How can we achieve structural change in software organizations without formal authority or informal charisma?

To answer this question, the talk begins by exploring how power works, how it flows through sociotechnical systems, and how it shapes them. This exploration is guided by a simple mental model: the Power Loop.

During this exploration, the focus lies on the most potent carriers of power — actants — non-human agents such as artifacts, rules, procedures, norms, and other structural elements.
Inspired by design patterns, the talk introduces Power Patterns for engaging with the flow of power across the Power Loop and achieving structural change by leveraging the powerful actants around us.

This workshop is not about influencing people.
It is about influencing the systems that influence people.