Talk:Non-sustainable effects

I would propose a number of non-sustainable effects regarding LSIs:

• LSI is organized by a facilitator who is asked for the event only, instead of an LSI organized/initiated by a change facilitator who is taking care of the change process as a whole
• Prior LSI or other participative change processes in the past failed to result in positive perception of participants about the results of their participation, leading towards a sceptic mindset regarding the current LSI process

Further more, the 'usual suspects' can be mentioned, like:

• Management who is unable/unwilling to let go of full control of the change process, will lead to failure of the LSI
• A context which is likely to lead towards redundancies or other highly controversive changes is unlikely to result in proactive participation by all involved persons

• • • Comment by Katia Van Belle ***

I don't necessarily agree with this. It all depends on the effect you are trying to achieve with the LSI, and the timing. If members of an organization want to change things, then even a one shot intervention can have an important (and sustainable).

Let me give an example. A group of 40 managers from a city administration meet for a two day teambuilding. They are facing a lot of changes, but are waiting for 'others' to tell them what to do and how to help their employees 'cope with' the change. I had the opportunity to do a world café with this group. The questions were 'what will successful change look like?' and later on 'what can you do now to help achieve success?'. The effect is that people started to realise that they can do something. Now, already. That is an important result. It was a small intervention. And of course much more will be needed. But that is being managed by internal change agents. Who will call upon external facilitators (I hope) again later.

The point is that - although I worked with them only that one time - I believe this is one good step forward for them. It will not generate frustration, or more resistance to change, or scepticism.

What makes the difference for sustainability is - I believe - the expectations you create. Using AI or OS (I have no experience with the other LSI), people experience a different way of dialoguing. And then get frustrated when the ideas they submitted don't lead to consequences.

I do share you concern however, with the need for sustainable results. Just not sure that the time a facilitator spends with the organisation is key.

best regards, Katia