Constellations - A diagnostic tool for creative strategic development

Introduction

nnWhat 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.nnnSetting 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. nnn

The constellation process

nnIntegration 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.n nnWhat 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 exte alised, 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 conce ed - 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.n nnWhat issues can constellation help with? There are four main areas where constellations can be used to diagnose and resolve issues in organisational contexts:nnPersonal Leadership dilemmas and challenges, conflict resolution, bullying, feelings of not belonging, work life balance, career choice, issues with money, reaction to changennPredictive Exploring strategic options and choices, innovation managementnnResolving Difficulties related to mergers and acquisitions, downsizing and restructuring, team issues, tensions between departments or strategic partners, community relations.nnInformative Continuous improvement processes, brand and strategy, development, the effects of market forces and natural disasters.nnn

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. nnn

References

nn· Tyrone J Francis, Constellations, Qualia Group, Chester, UK (2004)n· Gunthard Weber, Organisational Constellations: Basic and Special Situationsn. Praxis der Organisationaufstellungen (2000), Carl-Auer_Systeme Verlagn· Hellinger, B. J. ten Herkel, trans., Heidelberg, Carl-Auer-Systeme Verlag, 2002n· Dr E Kloprogge & Peter Gleeson, Mind Gliding®, The 5 elements ‘Relationship’ model (2004)n· Petruska Clarkson: The Therapeutic Relationships (2003), Whurr Publishers, London.nn© Mind Gliding registered in England & Wales No. 05008800 – All rights reserved