Figure 1 illustrates the powerlessness theme well; two blindfolded people are being led and the illustrator hadn't noticed when she drew the image, but later spotted, that the leader had a mouth while the others didn't. She believes that this interpretation of voicelessness came from her subconscious. The group interpretation of this image was curious and two options were
foreboding about some impending trouble that cannot be visualised, stopped or controlled, and bring in the powerlessness theme. The reference to loss was also visible at organisational levels: loss of public service values, “change is stopping us doing what we do, what we're known for, our work will be taken away or disregarded” (Figure 2).
offered: that the ABES could either be the leader bringing others along, or could be led. Was this a Figure 2: Fear of loss, we make, you take choice or indicative of an underlying tension that it is not leading already? This served as a call to arms, a valuable input for any follow-up work on creation of new knowledge. Interestingly, some illustrations did not represent powerlessness rather empowerment, “Yes I can, I am capable, have done it before!” This indicates that past experience can empower and inform future change.
Figure 1: Lead or be led! Our choice!
Figure 2 also represents attachment to the past; the figure is 'torn' looking back and to the future simultaneously. Similar to the subconscious element in Figure 1, this illustrator felt compelled to include the birds. A week after the exercise they were still on her mind. “Why the birds?” We eventually interpreted that the birds offer perspective; they have a bird's eye view, before anyone on the ground. This is apt as the illustrator is a senior manager, who is “striving to rise above and get perspective so she can facilitate those below to navigate through change”.
Theoretically, fear is seen as anticipation of a possible future event and/or lack of control. Once more information is made available, fear will most likely be replaced by a different emotion such as anger or relief.
Fear and Loss of Attachments Participants were fearful of many things: change,
Attachments provide individuals with a basic frame for meaning and relatedness. Fear and concern over loss of those aspects of their work- lives that provide meaning, sense, stability and
what it would bring, and personal abilities, “Will I worth and of attachments, are typical themes to cope, can I?” Most strongly exhibited was a fear of loss of something fundamental, of values, culture and identity. Carr (2001:433) suggests
expect as individuals are fearful of the prospect of a new order and loss of ontological security (Vince & Broussine 1996).
that identity is “laced with emotionality, change can dislodge that identity and produce a reaction akin to grieving”.
Clouds, shadows and closed doors indicate 28 Opportunity/Challenge
This was well represented, through sunny skies, growth, fruit, creativity, possibility, buzz, and many direct but cautionary references to
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