Highlights is the monthly newsletter of the npEnterprise Forum. This edition presents selections from a recent thread on on facilitating change in an organization transitioning to a social enterprise.

FACILITATING CHANGE

Here are excerpts from a recent discussion about separating social from business costs:

Here are excerpts from a recent discussion about designing a session to facilitate change in an organization that is experiencing some resistance to the transition from a traditional grant-supported nonprofit to one with an emphasis on earned income and social enterprise:

(1) From Mike Burns

A theory of change exercise can help clarify what the purpose and goals of becoming a for-profit are (and get everyone on board to do the same). But, more importantly, if all these issues exist, the purpose of the session should be revisited and possibly focus more on these issues (and resolving or accepting them). On the other hand, perhaps the question should be: do you even have the right people around the table for this discussion?.

(2) From Fernando Betelho

Of course any activity that allows people to verbalize concerns, frustrations, and their own interpretations of what took place and why, are helpful; but it is also important to build cohesion and move on. In this regard I want to recommend a German organization called Dialogue in the Dark.

They have been able to get even Israelis and Palestinians to talk with one another constructively in their workshops, so I think they can help any organization looking to improve teamwork and morale.

Full disclosure: I help them with workshops at the World Economic Forum.

(3) From Jeff Tiberi

I spent nearly 9 years in Bermuda developing their National Park system. We did not have a language problem, but there was animosity between the Black and White inhabitants. I think it is unrealistic to think that anyone could change these culturally integrated ways of life in other countries.

We focused on the future and the benefits that a national park system would bring. My advice is to set a high goal and get people excited and committed.

(4) From Gail Bower

Rick Maurer specializes in overcoming resistance to change. He¹s got lots of free articles and a newsletter on his web site, and he markets other services and tools that you might find helpful. http://www.beyondresistance.com/

(5) From Jordan Dossett

Honestly the thing I find that works best at our retreats that really breaks the ice between all languages and all personalities is a simple exercise of: mind in a bottle

It is actually a Buddhist exercise on clearing your mind and everyone feels so silly and good after they all just open up and relax. It is a very short exercise and we break into small groups of 10 people. I am not sure I am going to be able to explain this well by email but here goes.

Purchase some small glass containers from a store like Ikea or Michaels.
Here is an example:
http://www.justbynature.com/images/containers/8oz_square_mason_jar.gif

Each person gets a jar.

Fill the jar with plain tap water. Have everyone do it themselves whichusually makes them feel kind of funny and nervous what you will ask fornext. Next, give them a small pouch of dirt or beads or other objectthat will fill the jar but not full like mud. We usually use beads that don't float because they clean up well.

Ask the participant to swoosh/spin the jar. They see the beads or dirt start to swirl around. Now say:

This is our confusion. This is what we see and hear when we do not speak the same language or focus on one common goal. Now set your jar down and take a moment to relax. The dirt or beads will settle (beads work really well as they stop moving after about 30-45 seconds) now the water is clear and the beads have settled and this is how we see clearly and calmly.

I know it sounds odd but I have to tell you I go and visit people or talk to past employees and they still have their jars and beads and keep them as a reminder of remaining calm and clear.

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