ABCD-Training-of-Trainers-Tools-July-2013

3.12. Creative Tension
(Adapted by Ninnette Eliasov from Peter Senge, www.solonline.org)
Introduction
This tool is very simple but profound at the same time. It shows how tension comes to us from seeing
the truth about where we are at present (our current reality) in relation to the vision that we have. It is
presented as a short input/demonstration to encourage learning partners to be aware of this tension
and to channel it creatively so that they do not inherit poverty of mind or spirit.
Instructions
Draw a chart as indicated below. Explain that being conscious is being aware of the current reality
(Development Industry etc.) yet also holding a vision for an abundant future. This can create tensions
within. Using an elastic band, hold the one end at the current reality at the bottom of the chart, and pull
the band to the top (vision), creating tension within the elastic. The greater the distance between the
current reality and vision, the greater the tension will be (you can stretch the band even more to
illustrate this). Ask the group what will happen if you keep on stretching the elastic band – obviously it
will eventually snap. The same is true for us and we often feel tensions as stress within. Ask the group
what happens if we just had knowledge of the reality but not vision – one is likely to be a cynical and
negative person. Whereas if one just has a vision only and no understanding of the current reality, then
one might be idealistic or a dreamer. So it is important to have both in mind yet be able to manage the
tension that will inevitably arise. Ask the group how the tension might minimize. There are 2 ways:
• by raising current reality toward the vision
• or by lowering the vision toward current reality
Individuals, groups, and organizations that learn how to work with creative tension learn how to use its
energy to move reality toward their visions. You can demonstrate the power of creative tension by
stretching the band minimally and asking someone to pull on it – there is no sound. As you reach the
right tension and they tug on it a sound eventually comes, just like a tight guitar string. String
instruments in fact require a certain amount of tension before the beauty of their music can be heard.
You can link this to the South African experience and how the struggle for liberation created freedom
songs, poets and artists who channeled their own tensions creatively. According to Peter Senge, leading
through creative tension is different from solving problems. In problem solving, the energy for change
comes from attempting to get away from an aspect of the current reality that is undesirable. With
creative tension, the energy for change comes from our vision, from what we want to create and
tapping into the incredible creativity of the human being to achieve this.
VISION
Creative Tension
CURRENT REALITY