Facilitation · Full-day workshops to multi-month consulting engagements

PACT™ 5-Step S.M.A.L.L. Process

The Polarity Approach to Continuity and Transformation (PACT) is a structured methodology for applying Polarity Thinking to organizational challenges. It provides a systematic workflow to move from initial awareness of a tension to active, measurable leverage of that tension.

When to use PACT™ 5-Step S.M.A.L.L. Process

Most effective during large-scale organizational change, strategy execution, or when teams are stuck in 'pendulum swings' between two extremes.

How PACT™ 5-Step S.M.A.L.L. Process works

Instructional designers can use this as a session flow for strategic planning or change management workshops, guiding participants through the visual mapping of tensions and the creation of early warning systems.

Phases of PACT™ 5-Step S.M.A.L.L. Process

  1. Scan: Look at the situation to see which issues are problems to solve and which are polarities to manage, and pick a key polarity. In a session, the group lists tensions and names the interdependent pair with neutral or positive names.
  2. Map: Build a polarity map: the greater purpose, the deeper fear, and the upsides and downsides of each pole. Participants fill the map together so each side's supporters see the value in the other side.
  3. Action: Define action steps to gain or keep the upsides of each pole. The group brainstorms concrete actions for both sides, not just the one they prefer.
  4. Learn: Set early warnings: measurable signs that the system is sliding into the downside of a pole. The group agrees what to watch and who monitors it.
  5. Leverage: Carry out the action steps and respond to early warnings so the system keeps moving between the upsides over time. Teams review the map periodically and adjust.

Key principles

  • Continuous transformation
  • Stakeholder collaboration
  • Data-driven assessment
  • Proactive risk mitigation

Best for

  • Change Management
  • Strategy Development
  • Organization Design

Considerations

  • The 'Learn' and 'Leverage' phases require long-term commitment beyond the initial workshop
  • Success depends on the inclusion of diverse stakeholder perspectives during the 'Map' phase

Attribution & sources

Developed by Barry Johnson and Polarity Partnerships, LLC

Primary source

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