http://www.shourstonandassociates.com/blog where story and information intersect Tue, 08 Sep 2009 05:56:47 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Whether we are initiating change or responding to it, how we feel, think, and act will depend largely on how we navigate the "ladder of inference." The ladder of inference is a model developed by organizational psychologist Chris Argyris and used by Peter Senge and many others.  It's ... http://www.shourstonandassociates.com/blog/2009/09/07/change-ability-tip-23-be-careful-on-the-ladder/ Most of us have personally experienced the benefits of talking through a problem with a trusted friend or colleague. Active listening can provide a safe haven for the speaker to articulate perceptions, fears, and potential responses to change. In the same way that writing about an issue can clarify feelings ... http://www.shourstonandassociates.com/blog/2009/08/20/change-ability-tip-22-utilize-the-power-of-conversation/ Speaking of change-ability, change has been keeping me from my blog writing these days. One might think that given my commitment to write about 50 ways to be "change-able," that I'm keen on change. The reality? Not so much. My preoccupation with ways to experience change with a modicum of ... http://www.shourstonandassociates.com/blog/2009/08/19/change-ability-tip-21-validation/ Kernel=Write a list of 100 in one sitting to uncover creative insights buried in your subconscious Change-ability is enhanced when we feel that we have the resources, strategies or options for navigating the path ahead. Most of us are more resourceful than we think--we just need access to our ideas. List ... http://www.shourstonandassociates.com/blog/2009/07/12/change-ability-tip-20-write-a-list-of-100/ Kernel: Life is filled with opposites. If you're facing darkness (stress/change), what is the opposite now visible as light? From creativity consultant and author Roger von Oech: “Heraclitus is saying that we don't fully appreciate something until we have thought about or experienced its opposite. For example, success is more rewarding if ... http://www.shourstonandassociates.com/blog/2009/06/14/change-ability-tip-19-use-darkness-to-shed-light-roger-von-oech/ Kernel: Visual thinking techniques = instant flood of ideas, options & connections There is something magical about visual thinking strategies such as Mind Mapping, clustering, concept mapping, or FutureScapes™. Each approach varies somewhat and personally, I like to use Gabrielle Rico's "clustering" simply because I've had the most experience with it. ... http://www.shourstonandassociates.com/blog/2009/06/14/change-ability-tip-18-increase-creative-problem-solving-through-visual-thinking/ [caption id="attachment_132" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Nurturing contentment fosters future change-ability"][/caption] Kernel: Nurturing joy, interest and contentment = strength, resilience and well-being According to psychologist, Barbara Fredrickson, "Cultivating positive emotions produces an upward spiral that not only counteracts negative emotions but also broadens habitual modes of thinking and acting and builds personal resources for ... http://www.shourstonandassociates.com/blog/2009/06/14/change-ability-tip-17-the-power-of-positive-emotions/ Change sometimes appears like a landslide that blocks all possible routes. It's difficult to maintain perspective and often the only options appear to be giving up or working harder at what we always do--status quo. Timothy Butler, a psychologist, psychotherapist, and researcher on career decision making offered some suggestions when ... http://www.shourstonandassociates.com/blog/2009/05/09/change-ability-tip-16-impasse-a-temporary-state/ Self-reflection is undoubtedly useful in moving forward through change but psychologists warn that too much can be counterproductive. “Few people realize how profoundly their lives are affected by their self-thoughts or how frequently this inner chatter interferes with their success, pollutes their personal relationships and undermines their happiness,” says psychologist ... http://www.shourstonandassociates.com/blog/2009/05/04/change-ability-tip-15-use-self-reflection-in-moderation/ [caption id="attachment_123" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Feedforward... insight for the future"][/caption] I first read about feedforward in Marshall Goldsmith's book, What Got You Here won't Get You There but you can also read an article about it on his website. Asking co-workers or friends for feedback can be helpful--if they're skilled and you're accepting. ... http://www.shourstonandassociates.com/blog/2009/04/13/change-ability-tip-14-seek-feedforward-instead-of-feedback/