Generative Relationships STAR

Reveal relationship patterns that create surprising value or dysfunctions

Five Structural Elements – Min Specs

1. Structuring Invitation

Together, we’ll delve into the dynamics of our team’s relationships using the STAR Compass. By understanding what makes our interactions more or less generative, we can unlock hidden potential and build stronger connections.”

2. Space and Materials

• An open wall with a STAR Compass template (from online resources or draw your own; see the template below) and space to move around.
• Groups of four to seven chairs around small tables [breakouts of four to seven].
• Copies of the template for each small group on a flip chart [in a visual collaboration space].
• Template handouts, paper, and pens for each F2F participant.

3. Participation Distribution

• Roles include host [tech host] and participants.
• There is no minimum group size.
• Everyone in the working group or team is invited and has an equal opportunity to contribute.

4. How Groups Are Configured

• Individually to make initial assessments
• Small groups
• Whole group

5. Steps and Time Allocation

Intro: Share the structuring invitation and hand out the template [have participants draw their own STAR Compass]. (1 min.)

Individual Reflection: Each participant assesses the team on the four elements of the STAR Compass and places a dot on each axis by asking:

• How diverse are our group and perspectives? (Separateness)
• How well are we in tune with each other? (Tuning)
• How much do we act together? (Action)
• How important is it that we work together? How clear is our purpose? (Reason to Work Together) (4 min.)

Form Groups and Share: Participants form groups of four to seven [breakouts] and each place their dots on a shared STAR Compass. They discuss similarities and differences in their placements. (5 min.)

Identify Results: In small groups, participants identify what results these compass points produce when combined and record the outcomes. Examples include:

• High T + No A = We get along well but accomplish little
• High A + Low T = Routine results with no innovation
• High T + High S + High A + Low R = Many false starts (5 min.)

Brainstorm Action Steps: Each small group brainstorms actions to boost elements that need attention and record their ideas. (5 min.)

All-Together Sharing: Everyone returns to plenary and compares the assessments and action steps. Ask a few people to reflect on what first steps make sense for the group and record ideas [use Chatterfall]. (5 min.)

Taking It Online

This structure works online with no major adjustments.

WHY? Purposes

• Improve the performance of a team
• Help a team become more self-managing and autonomous
• Sharpen the purpose and identity of the group
• Help people step away from blaming individuals and move toward understanding their patterns of interaction
• Combine “diagnosis and treatment” without separating the planners from the doers
• Reduce frustration of people not happy with team dynamics and results

Tips and Traps

• Work up from the individuals to pairs, then table conversations
• Avoid making right or wrong judgments about where people assess the team
• Encourage team members to research, organize, and act on their own remedies
• Finish the activity with at least one specific action for each participant
• Make sure that who is going to do what by when is clear for all

Riffs and Variations

Use Generative Relationships STAR to explore personal patterns with revised compass points:

• What do you bring to the group that might be different?
• To what degree do you reflect on your personal experience?
• Are you creating self-development opportunities to act on insights?
• To what degree are you clear on the purpose of your work?

Practical Applications

• Focus attention on group dynamics during a strategy retreat.
• Support an organization making a cultural transition toward more inclusion, engagement, or grassroots innovation.
• Help two people identify dysfunctional patterns and mend their relationship.

Optional String

String together with Liberating Structures that may boost low compass-point assessments:

• Separateness (Conversation Café; Shift & Share; What, So What, Now What?)
• Tuning (Wise Crowds; Troika Consulting; Agreement-Certainty Matrix; Heard, Seen, Respected)
• Action (25/10 Crowd Sourcing; 15% Solutions; Options Place; Min Specs)
• Reason (Nine Whys; What I Need From You)
  

Attribution: Developed by professor Brenda Zimmerman (learn more from Professor Zimmerman at Change-Ability). Adapted by Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless

Source: Liberating Structures