Understanding and Embracing the

“Ripple Effects” of Change

Dr. Rob WeinbergDirector, Experiment in Congregational Education, HUC-JIR

B’nai Mitzvah RevolutionNovember 12, 2012/27 Cheshvan 5773

The Next 1½ Hours

PurposePrepare to expect ripples and engage them

productively.

Process• Reflect on ripple effects we’ve seen• Anticipate “voices” we will hear in relation to

our experiments• Re-orient ourselves to “resistance”• Consider strategies for Community

EngagementOutcomes• Have tools to analyze “ripple effects” and

change forces• Have ideas, +/- for engaging your community

What Ripples Have You Seen?

Photo credit: Flickr user red twolip http://www.flickr.com/photos/25182350@N03/

Think of a Past Change Experience• What was the “pebble” in the pond? • What did the ripple effects touch?• Programs and practices?• Leadership or governance?• Decision-making processes? • Communication?• Administrative procedures?• Organizational structure, roles/tasks/jobs? • Staff and needed skills?• Technology?• Values, vision, self-image?

Chart the Ripple Effects

Meaningful Change is Messy, Emergent

• Challenges the regularities of congregational life

• Rarely follows a straight line

• Makes problems as valuable as plans

“Voice”-Field Analysis

• Briefly describe the desired state if your experiment “works”

• Brainstorm list of stakeholders

• Place them on chart as “driving” or “restraining” voices

• Draw an arrow:• Loud=long• Moderated=medium• Quiet=short

Resistance is Legitimate

Change and Transition: Not the Same

Change is situational and is typically an event.

A transition is a psychological process people go through to come to terms with a new situation.

Neutral Zone

Ending,Losing,Letting Go

The New Beginning

Transition Is Fluid

Community Engagement Choices

• Task Force or no Task Force?

• Fly under the radar or parade down Main Street?

• Broadcast or network?

• Rely more on programs or relationships?

• Plow the field for a “spiraling series of innovations in the direction of your vision.”

Your Questions

The Last 1½ Hours

PurposePrepare to expect ripples and engage them

productively.

Process• Reflect on ripple effects we’ve seen• Anticipate “voices” we will hear in relation to

our experiments• Re-orient ourselves to “resistance”• Consider strategies for Community

EngagementOutcomes• Have tools to analyze “ripple effects” and

change forces• Have ideas, +/- for engaging your community