Using pictures to
develop strategic thinking
Open systems, neurolinguistic programming, psychosynthesis, creative visualisation, right brain thinking, all use pictures to develop holistic thinking. I first learned this technique from Chris Bull then of Sheppard Moscow Associates. When combined with counselling skills and coaching it can be a powerful catalyst for change.
When to use it
"Pictures" are best used when the client (an individual or small team) needs to think about where they are going. They are looking for a direction in work, life or through a specific problem.
How to use it
Principles
You simply ask the client to draw a picture of how they see their situation now. They then label the picture with a phrase (Often in the form Verb (modifier) Noun) which describes the process that is going on there. An example could be "Rushing around" when people are working frantically. The client then draws another picture that describes how she/he would like things to be at a time in the future, one to two years is usual. She/he describes the desired process as a verb and noun (say) "Achieving calmly". Finally you help the client to choose the change process that will help her/him to change things from the present to the future process. this might be "Taking time to think".
Benefits
People usually feel much better when they become clearly aware of the present situation and why it is frustrating them. This gives them something to tackle. Building a vision for the future energises them. It is even better in a group when people find they share the same dreams. The strategic direction can inform and give life to all the work that a person does. Old issues that have festered for years get confronted and dealt with.
Practical tips
People are often shy of drawing and worried about having to perform. Be light and gently supportive. Some people will not draw under any circumstances. Help them work through the same questions by interview or writing words and phrases on a chart.
Encourage people to draw freely and not get too formal with structures and organisation charts. Ask the client to explain the picture while you listen and explore her/his feelings.
Notice the energy behind their description of the process. Be patient and wait until they have come out with a description that means something to them.
Ask people for verbs and nouns to describe what they need to do to change things from the 'now' to the future process. Boil these down by voting "Which are the three verbs and nouns that appeal to you most?" Then distil these to find a strategic direction with vitality.
Encourage the client to use this direction as a metaphor to inform their work or life in the future. Ask "What does this mean to you? How can you use it with your boss, colleagues, customers etc.?"
An example of the "pictures"
process.
The preferred future state
Achieving calmly
The present state
Rushing Around
Then ask the client to come up with strategic direction that gets you from "now" to the preferred "future". One in this situation might be "Taking time to think". Then I would explore what that would mean and what the client would do to get there.
I usually use A4 paper in a one to one setting and flip chart paper in a group. In the latter case encourage shared working at all stages.
Using these materials
I am entirely happy for you to use or draw on any these materials in any way you think will be helpful. I am keen to have my work, and the work of the people I have learned from, used.
Please will you say where you found them? One way might be to give a link back to www.nickheap.co.uk or to info@nickheap.co.uk. This will help these positive ideas to spread, and help my business, too.
If you would like to discuss any of this further, or meet, please call Nick Heap on +44 (0)1707 886553 or email info@nickheap.co.uk
Thank you