Constellations
A
diagnostic tool for creative strategic development
Dr E Kloprogge and Peter G Gleeson, April
- 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
·
Tyrone J Francis,
Constellations, Qualia Group,
·
Gunthard Weber, Organisational
Constellations: Basic and Special Situations
Praxis der Organisationaufstellungen
(2000), Carl-Auer_Systeme Verlag
·
Hellinger,
B. J. ten Herkel, trans.,
·
Dr E Kloprogge &
·
Petruska
Clarkson: The Therapeutic Relationships (2003), Whurr
Publishers,