“Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.” ~ Margaret Mead.
There’s something magical about bringing together a group of passionate individuals to create meaningful change. The energy in the room is palpable, the ideas are fresh, and the shared purpose is invigorating. When people come together with a common goal, it sparks new ways of thinking, mutual discovery, and a deeper sense of purpose. Well-organized groups harness this energy to work productively, make decisions that matter, and take actions that serve the greater good, all while learning and growing together.
But let’s be real—collaborative planning and decision-making can be challenging. Even with the best of intentions, creating social change is a complex process that requires more than just enthusiasm. It demands commitment, time, and the courage to engage in tough conversations. We know that transparency, diversity, and psychological safety are critical ingredients for success, but they aren’t always enough on their own.
So, what do we do when our group’s momentum starts to stall? When we find ourselves stuck, it’s not a sign of failure—it’s an opportunity for deeper inquiry and growth.
Step 1: Don’t Take It Personally
Conflict is a natural part of collaboration. In fact, it’s often where the most significant breakthroughs happen. Instead of seeing disagreements as roadblocks, view them as opportunities to explore new solutions that benefit everyone.
- When networks struggle with buy-in, it’s usually because the group lacks a clear focus on shared outcomes.
- When priorities are unclear or a point of tension, it’s often due to conflicting or competing interests, where members are holding back insights.
- When stakeholders start to pull away from a project, it’s a cue that there may be unresolved issues or broken trust that need attention.
Step 2: Get Curious – Why Are People Leaning Away?
Curiosity is your best tool for understanding what’s really going on beneath the surface. When people start leaning away, it’s time to ask why. Consider what you are seeing, are people:
- Avoiding: Postponing or sidestepping issues often stems from resistance to change.
- Accommodating: Yielding to others at the expense of one’s own ideas may indicate a lack of trust.
- Competing: Aggressively pursuing one’s own concerns could reflect a need for control.
- Compromising: Reaching partial solutions without deep exploration might signal groupthink.
Step 3: Use Practical Insights and Tools to Reach Productive Alignment
By exploring group dynamics you can uncover root causes, openly address issues, and realign around shared goals to reignite initial excitement. Start by paying attention to the type of conversations happening, are they mostly:
- Practical: Making plans, fixing a problem, or deciding what to do
- Emotional: Sharing and venting feelings with a need to be heard
- Social: Describing relationships with people or places, or how we see the world
You can foster spaces by sharing your own goals and asking what others are seeking from the experience, acknowledging feelings without problem solving, and exploring how our differences help to shape our collective understanding.
The next time your group hits a rough patch, don’t be discouraged. Embrace the challenge with curiosity, communicate openly, and seek alignment. Remember, every obstacle is an opportunity to deepen your understanding, strengthen your collaboration, and turn your group’s potential into impactful social change.
Resources to Get Unstuck:
Shine Lab Associates 