Positionality defines the unique perspective through which individuals experience, interpret, and engage with the world. It is shaped by intersecting aspects of identity—such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, and ability—and influences every interaction, decision, and relationship.
By understanding positionality, we unlock the ability to:
- Recognize and address biases and assumptions.
- Navigate power dynamics with intention and equity.
- Foster more inclusive and equitable environments.
The Positionality Prism framework provides a powerful tool to explore these dynamics. It helps individuals and teams identify how their identities and experiences shape their perceptions and actions, offering a clear path toward personal growth and systemic change.
What is the Positionality Prism?
The Positionality Prism is a novel framework introduced in my modern fable, Magic Mirror: Nine Practices To Be a Better Leader, Colleague, Educator, Neighbor, Friend, and More. This concept views positionality as a prism—a multifaceted lens through which individuals perceive and interpret the world.
The framework reveals how positionality influences:
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Experiences of power and privilege
Positionality shapes how we navigate systems of privilege and oppression, influencing who holds decision-making power, access to resources, and opportunities for advancement. -
Contributions to systemic inequities or efforts toward change
Understanding our positionality helps us identify how we may unintentionally sustain inequities or actively disrupt them through intentional actions and advocacy.
By embracing the Positionality Prism, individuals can better understand their own identities and actions, challenge inequitable systems, and lead with greater empathy and equity.
Who Can Benefit from the Positionality Prism?
This framework is ideal for:
Leaders seeking to create more inclusive teams and workplaces.
Educators striving to foster critical thinking and equity in their classrooms.
Individuals committed to personal growth and equitable relationships.
KEY TERMS
Positionality is the unique perspective shaped by an individual’s intersecting identities—such as race, gender, class, and ability—which influences how they experience, interpret, and engage with the world.
The Positionality Prism is the unique perspective through which individuals experience, interpret, and engage with the world through the combined multifaceted LENS of personhood, perception, and power.
The three parts—Personhood, Perception, and Power—include nine actionable practices to foster self-awareness, navigate power dynamics, and intentionally drive systemic change. This is an original framework first published in Magic Mirror.

Personhood

PERCEPTION

POWER
Nine Practices of the Positionality Prism
The Positionality Prism is built on three core themes—Personhood, Perception, and Power—each accompanied by three actionable practices:

Personhood
Understanding Who You Are
Your identity forms the foundation of positionality. This theme focuses on exploring your identities, recognizing the roles that shape your life, and understanding the factors that create advantages or obstacles.
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Explore Your Identity
Reflect on the dimensions of who you are (e.g., gender, race, socioeconomic status) and how they influence your daily life. -
Assess Salient Roles
Identify which parts of your identity come to the forefront in various situations and why. -
See Beyond Yourself
Recognize that others’ reactions are often about their experiences—not you. Stay open and respond with empathy.

Perception
How You See the World
Your perceptions are shaped by identity. This theme encourages you to challenge biases, expand your perspective, and practice empathy.
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Check Your Filter
Reflect on how your identity and experiences shape your perceptions. Consider the roots of snap judgments and how they impact your behavior. -
Expand Your Perspective
Engage in perspective-taking and empathy. Ask, “What else might be true?” to better understand others. -
Identify Bridges and Barriers:
Examine how aspects of your identity create opportunities or challenges in your relationships and experiences.

Power
Shaping Interactions and Opportunities
Power dynamics influence relationships and systems. This theme focuses on recognizing and sharing power while challenging systemic barriers.
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Recognize Your Power
Reflect on the origins of your power (e.g., privilege, resources) and how it impacts your experiences and others’. -
Share Power
Amplify marginalized voices by asking, “Who isn’t being heard?” Actively make space for others. -
Disrupt Barriers
Identify and dismantle systemic barriers using your influence. Real change comes from questioning and disrupting the status quo.
Want to learn more?
- See the Positionality Prism and its practices in action! Read Magic Mirror: Nine Practices To Be a Better Leader, Colleague, Educator, Neighbor, Friend, and More.
- Access the companion Magic Mirror Workbook, featuring exercises and tools to help you implement these practices.
- Explore wraparound services such as workshops, coaching, and consulting to deepen your journey.
- Join an upcoming cohort in the Positionality Prism Course.
- Download a summary sheet below.
Our Positionality Articles and Resources
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