COnsulting & Facilitation
Living well in a complex world involves addressing three changing states of being. Richard Rohr calls them Order Disorder Reorder. The Belgian therapist, Esther Perel calls them Harmony Disharmony and Repair. Rarely am I called to consult when things are in harmony or order. Most commonly I hear from people at some stage of disorder or disharmony. Sometimes people have moved toward repair or harmony, but want to not repeat the cycle.
It is difficult to engage conflicts in our work, volunteer organizations, or families. The situations are challenging and the outcomes are uncertain. This is a recipe for anxiety. We play out the conversations for both sides in our heads. Then we reach the conclusion that it is not worth it or not safe, because we think we know the outcome. The communication problems continue and it becomes a closed loop of hopelessness.
When I consult with groups or individuals, we do five things:
- Identify changes that are sought and why.
- Face the fears that paralyze a move toward change.
- Practice making good decisions on what actions have the best opportunity to influence those goals.
- Learn how to have difficult conversations that inform action.
- Discuss a plan on how we will assess the process.
I also work with boards and management committees who are struggling to make positive progress. I work with management teams trying to salvage a valuable but difficult colleague. I work with individuals interested in exploring different ways to address conflict or negotiation.
I welcome your emails or phone calls so we can discuss how I can help you.
