3. Tension Creator

As change leaders, it is important to recognise that people react differently whenever a major change is announced. This is likely to lead to fear (because the change impact is not yet understood) and tension (because it is not embraced). If we can find ways to harness this tension and create spaces for people to tell us how they feel, they are morel likely to commit to the change. After all, we want people to come on board with the change project voluntarily. Healthy tension can bring healthy solutions for the present. The video accompanying this session explains the change curve. This will be one of your main tools to help you understand the impact of change in people’s lives. Right now, you may be at the start or somewhere in the middle of your project. Think about the behaviours your impacted audience might be experiencing and how you can address it.

The Change Curve

Vision Day Template ideas

Start, Stop, Continue

What, So What, Now What?

Activity – How can we be tension creators?

180 minutes

Let’s create the spaces for conversation to recognise and reflect on any tension in the worshipping community or organisation. The goal is to build consensus:

Explain what is changing and what is not
Provide a space to identify loss
Provide a space to allow for lament
Allow impacted parties to be involved in contributing to the vision and shaping it
Use activities to turn tension into creative solutions (see ‘Space Collaborator’)

Activities to harness tension and turn it into creativity

Engage stakeholders
Facilitate discussions
Achieve agreement

Activity – Create space for lament and action

120 minutes

Find a good space, preferably off-site, where stakeholders or those key people impacted by the proposed change can come together and give feedback
Use a tool that encourages reflection, openness and transparency and the opportunity to offer ideas for improvement. See ideas for tools below

Activity – Vision Hour (or Vision Day)

Arrange a Vision Day where key stakeholders will be invited to (ensure representation from all groups)
Send an invitation to those impacted
On the day, communicate your ideas and allow feedback (e.g. ‘Start, Stop, Continue’ exercise)
Give room for conflict to be aired
Ensure people share their feedback and find ways to move forward

Check out the tools in the Materials section to help you with the activities.

Change Resource