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The HAT technique at UH Foresight suggests that transformation emerges from one of two pathways: Collapse (more abrupt) or New Equilibrium (more gradual). We’ve been talking about the Collapse pathway to After Capitalism, so let’s turn our attention to the gradual loopy New Equilibrium path.
In a previous post I suggested that the gradual approach of New Equilibrium is more accurately described as loopy. Stops and starts. Two steps forward and one back (which is still one forward). It’s very similar to what happens with client project work. Reluctant to change; willing; questioning; moving forward; pulling it back.
I have also described it in terms of people or the system “chickening out.” As the change starts to get more transformative, people and the system get scared and retreat back to safety. Eventually they build up courage and try again. And chicken out again. The advances each time eventually get us to transformation.
Let’s try a little experiment here. Some of you might know of my semi-obsessive love for The Matrix … and Morpheus. I’ve started using the short clip below to get at why change is loopy. The table below the clip captures key moments in the clip and my comments tying it to loopy behavior.
|
Time |
Action |
Connection to change |
|
0:40 |
Neo: Hello Morpheus: Do you know this is? Neo: Morpheus? Morpheus: Yes I’ve been looking for you for a long time. |
NEO is the client; Morpheus the “consultant” supporting change. The change process begins. |
|
0:50 |
Morpheus: I don’t know if you’re ready to see what I want to show you but, unfortunately you and I have run out of time. |
Consultant “warning” the client that a difficult road is ahead. |
|
0:57 |
Morpheus: They’re coming for you Neo and I don’t know what they’re going to do. Neo: Who’s coming for me? Morpheus: Stand up and see for yourself. Neo: Shit! What the hell do they want from me? |
Client realizes they are going to have to do something. |
|
1:28 |
Morpheus: I can guide you, but you must do exactly as I say. Neo: Okay. Morpheus: The cubicle across from you is empty; go now; stay here for just a moment; when I tell you go to the office at the end of the hall. |
Client is willing to listen to consultant’s advice, which is to take his time and move when appropriate. |
|
2:24 |
Morpheus: Good. Outside there’s a scaffold. Neo: How do you know all this? Morpheus: We don’t have time; to you to your left there’s window; open it; now outside there is a scaffold to get to the roof. |
Client questioning the consultant methodology. |
|
2:43 |
Neo: No way this is crazy! Morpheus: There are two ways out of this building one is that scaffold; the other is in their custody; you take a chance either way; I leave it to you. |
Client getting ready to pull the plug. Consultant points out the options and says the ball is in the client court. |
|
2:59 |
Neo: This is insane; why is this happening to me? |
Client doesn’t want to decide. |
|
3:06 |
Neo starts walking out the ledge; looks down, panics, drops phone, and goes back inside scene. |
Client panics. |
|
3:28 |
Neo being led out of the building in handcuffs |
Client chickens out. |
The rest of the movie shows the gradual process of Neo eventually coming to believe, with starts and stops, advances and setbacks … but he eventually transforms into “The One.” – Andy Hines
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