R-I-V-E-R: How Change and Crisis Impact Us

For years leading up to the launch of RiverWalk, we collected a steady stream of people data through surveys, assessments, interviews and (live) sessions we facilitated.

Resentment: This element represents the degree to which change and crisis stir up displeasure, frustration or anger. One of the driving forces behind resentment is a lack of acceptance related to “the why” change and crisis are occurring. As this element gains momentum, people tend to deny or reject change and crisis more defiantly with their words, actions and behaviors.

Insecurity: This element represents the degree to which change and crisis contributes to a loss of focus, confidence, identity or purpose. One of the many driving forces behind insecurity is a lack of trust in others or the group dynamics and functions (i.e. decision making, etc) they are surrounded by. As this element gains momentum, people tend to separate, shut down or distance themselves from change and crisis more openly.

Volatility: This element represents the degree to which change and crisis provoke erratic / fickle behavior, actions or initiatives. One of the many driving forces behind volatility is a lack of clarity and alignment with regards to forward progress. As this element gains momentum, people tend to reach for answers, solutions and next steps with more speed and less criteria.

Exposure: This element represents the degree to which change and crisis reveal vulnerability or the risk of liability / disclosure. One of the many driving forces behind exposure is a lack of control, autonomy or authority. As this element gains momentum, people tend to narrow their focus and motivation towards derailing and undermining the efforts of others.

Regret: This element represents the degree to which change and crisis generate remorse or nostalgia about previous circumstances and settings. One of the many driving forces behind regret is a lack of abilities and/or skills to forge ahead within new realities. As this element gains momentum, people tend to ignore or discard current circumstances in order to revert to previous patterns and processes.

While the depth and mix of these elements vary by person, team and organization; they all remain distinctly accounted for and inter-connectedly present in our lives, especially during change and crisis. Given the constant nature of change, our main curiosity is not wondering if these elements are in our lives, but whether we are prepared to navigate them for good.