We conducted a polystatic force field analysis, beginning by identifying his desired outcome (acceptance or at least willingness to consider modification in the restrictions). We then identified both the positive and negative elements (forces). These included both some frustration with the various ways the current restrictions are interpreted (positive valence), and resistance to any change in long-standing traditions (negative valence). I helped him identify additional elements (both positive and negative), following which we assessed the strength and level of activity of each element. Specifically, we focused on the duration of concern about the frustration and the duration of traditional resistance.
My rabbinical colleague concluded that concern about widespread frustration is probably short-lived, while resistance to modifying a religious tradition is undoubtedly long-term. However, he also noted that some of his fellow rabbis, who are young and open-minded, are anxious to “stir things up.” They are impatient about the enduring barriers to necessary reform. This impatience is likely to endure, and the liberal faction of his rabbinical community is not going away. The members of this faction are young and committed to reform. They represent a positive, strong, and active element in the setting he will soon enter.
As a result of our coaching session, my rabbinical client went away from our session holding on to a more positive anticipation regarding reactions to his proposal. He also formulated a new plan of action based on his reframed anticipations. He decided to communicate by email with his liberal colleagues, requesting that they join him in offering the proposal, or at least be actively supportive of his request for consideration of dietary reform.
It should be noted that the force field analysis I conducted with my rabbinical client was represented on a flip chart, rather than just being discussed orally. I find that polystatic dynamics are often best presented in graphic form. Arrows are drawn. Springboards and barriers are drawn that activate or block the arrows. A goal or desired outcome is placed above or to the right of “all the action taking place.” Most importantly, a graphic portrayal on a flip chart enables a coaching client to get “some distance” from the challenge they are facing. The powerful forces and elements that are identified can be seen and modified from a more “objective” point of view. If no flip chart is available, then a whiteboard might be engaged or the analysis might be conducted on a computer screen using graphic tools, with the resulting portrayal being projected on a wall.
Polystatic Cross-Impact Analysis
As a coach, I not only modify the force field processes proposed by Kurt Lewin by bringing the dynamics of anticipation. I also find that a systemic polystatic-based analysis requires consideration of the interrelationships between the various elements of the environment in which one’s client anticipates working. As Miller and Page (2007) have noted, important systems are not just complicated (many elements) but also complex (these elements related to one another). I find that my coaching clients are much more likely to request my assistance in managing a complex rather than just a complicated issue. Anticipation of complexity requires a more systemic analysis than is the case with a force field analysis. While the elements in a Lewinian analysis are considered to be operating in isolation from one another, the elements in something called a cross-impact analysis are all interacting with and jointly influencing the strengths, activity level, duration, and (sometimes) even the valence of this element.
Originally developed by Theodore Gordon and Olaf Helmer to help determine how relationships between events may impact resulting events and reduce uncertainty in the future, I have often used Cross-Impact Analysis to assist clients in anticipating their own future. I have modified this analytic tool to make it compatible with a polystatic perspective. Along with my coaching client, I prepare a matrix on which all the major elements in a system are placed on both the left side and at the top of the matrix. Together with my client, I then examine the relationship between one element and each of the other elements to determine the extent to which the valence, strength, activity level, and duration (VSAD) level of the first element influences the VSAD of the second element. Does the first element assist (up arrow) or block (down arrow) the second element—or do they operate independently of one another (“0”)? And how strong and sustained is this assistance or blockage (multiple arrows)?
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