How to manifest the inherent intelligence of transformations
Towards a new understanding of organizations, transformation, and transformational work (part 3)
We believe we can shape, create, and control transformations. That’s part of our relationship with nature, part of the power dynamics we establish, and part of the challenges we face.
But transformations occur by themselves; they carry an inherent intelligence. We participate in the transformation and shape it as much as we are shaped by it. What’s essential to understand is that this inherent intelligence unfolds through the actions of people, and can only manifest to the extent that we allow it. To be able to do so, we need to extend our understanding of transformation and change in different ways.
Are we self-empowered?
Only if we have inner freedom can we create agency in transformation and in our work with others. The degree of our inner freedom defines our impact and influence on others. That’s why transformation asks for leadership of a different kind: self-leadership, which empowers us to overcome the old power paradigms.
Are we aware of our mental models?
We always carry world models, and these understandings shape how we perceive, think, and act; they drive our transformational work. We can’t eliminate them as they are deeply rooted in our biology. We can only lessen their impact by making them transparent and working with them.
One such model is our theory of change, and our true transformational power comes when we can set it aside for a moment and perceive what the organization and its transformation truly need. That leads to another understanding of facilitation, one that works with and in the given moment.
Are we able to work with uncertainty?
We walk on unfamiliar ground. There is power and creativity in the unknown, and to harness it we must work with uncertainty – even when that uncertainty feels overwhelming. We must seek guidance from the infinite intelligence in which we are embedded. We can learn and practice that, but we must take action. Otherwise, our deep desire for security and support will take over and re-establish old patterns.
Do we understand what it means to be embedded?
Our organizations are embedded and interconnected with everyone and everything they touch. So are we. Transformations are only regenerative and healthy if they respect and integrate this interconnectedness. Therefore, we need to create spaces for those who are not present but are equally affected by our work.
This is part of a series on organization and transformation:
