Constellations
Constellations
A diagnostic tool for creative strategic development
Dr E Kloprogge, Peter G Gleeson and Tyrone J Francis, January -
2005
Introduction
What is a Constellation?
A constellation is an innovative way of diagnosing and
resolving troubling issues. It draws on emotional intelligence
and intuition as well as logical thought. A constellation
provides insight and foresight by uncovering the hidden dynamics
of a situation. By bringing something to light a constellation
provides support and momentum to do something new.
Setting up a constellation
A person sets up a constellation by placing people (including a
substitute for him or her self) intuitively in a specific
configuration that represents an issue they want to have a look
at. This provides a living map of key elements within a
particular situation. Rather than simply talking about, or just
looking at a 'snap shot' of what is happening, participants will
be able to see clearly into the interaction of these key
elements and experiment with new possibilities.
With expert facilitation participants are helped to see things
with fresh eyes, make different connections, and move creatively
towards solutions that can make a real difference.
The constellation process
Integration in the 5 'Relationship' model
When setting up a constellation it is necessary for everyone
involved to be willing participants. They need to be prepared to
be actively involved in a process that will require
experimentation. This is the working alliance, coming together
(The first element of 'Relationship').
The 5 elements of 'Relationship' are at the core of all work
undertaken by Mind Gliding. Mind Gliding is a relationship
catalyst. It is the enzyme that optimises performance in
businesses or with individuals.
Once the working alliance has been agreed, it provides the
secure foundation to explore an issue that has been identified
by a group member. When the constellation is in place, the
person who has set up the constellation then steps back, away
from being 'entangled' in the current dynamic. Observation of
the constellation will gain a new perspective and awareness of
what is currently happening: the benefit from super - vision.
What happens in a constellation?
Once a secure environment has been established, it is the
possible to explore and experiment.
The exploration involves setting up a living representation of a
current issue, including all the emotional entanglements that
are part of that set of circumstances. This highlights the
second element of 'Relationship' - What is obstructing and
preventing development and progress. By creating an
externalised, physical representation of what is happening, the
challenges become more apparent, opening the way to experiment
with creative solutions.
The third element of 'Relationship' - Identifying how to move
forward in a way that benefits all concerned - provides an
opportunity for those involved in the constellation to move into
creative experimentation with different ways of interacting.
The results and outcomes of the experiments will provide an
intuitive indication of how to move towards a desired outcome.
These intuitive indications can be translated into practical
everyday useable reality and create an increased awareness of
the fourth element of 'Relationship' - Identifying an ideal way
of operating and being together.
Having arrived at this, those involved can take the experiential
learning gained from the constellation to move onto the fifth
element of 'Relationship' - How to maintain and sustain an
optimum state- : This optimum state of operating that fully
embodies the previously identified ideal way of operating and
being together. When an optimum configuration is arrived at, the
person who set up the original constellation places them self
back into the newly configured constellation to experience the
resolution.
What issues can constellation help with?
There are four main areas where constellations can be used to
diagnose and resolve issues in organisational contexts:
Personal
Leadership dilemmas and challenges, conflict resolution,
bullying, feelings of not belonging, work life balance, career
choice, issues with money, reaction to change
Predictive
Exploring strategic options and choices, innovation management
Resolving
Difficulties related to mergers and acquisitions, downsizing and
restructuring, team issues, tensions between departments or
strategic partners, community relations.
Informative
Continuous improvement processes, brand and strategy,
development, the effects of market forces and natural disasters.
Summary
Constellating is a very flexible process which is of use with
most personal, professional and organisational issues. It is
particularly beneficial when more conventional approaches have
been considered and found lacking. Its originality and power
will lead to significant, beneficial, original and useable
insight.
Constellations will reveal pathways to actions that are unique
in that they respect everyone's position and disadvantage
no-one.
References