Tension Shifting

Tension shifting is a technique that can be used within groups of people to address tensions that exist among the group. It should be used regularly to address tensions as and when they arise, dealing with them before they have a chance to start causing problems.

It is a process that is guided by a facilitator which takes place within a dedicated meeting space. The aim is to ‘shift’ tensions so that they are eased or released. This is done by listening to and understanding the person who is feeling tension and then working as a group to address the tension - perhaps by creating action points or agreements, though sometimes simply talking and listening is enough.

Tensions might be to do with how the group is working together, or could be around issues of power, marginalisation, or roles held by group members. Tension shifting can be seen as a form of feedback - an opportunity for reflection and learning and an essential part of a well-functioning group. When groups can practice processing low level tensions together, using short, regular feedback loops, they become more resilient and more able to handle a big tension that might come along.

Please browse the resources below to learn more about the technique.

  • Tension Shifting - In depth explanation with key practical considerations and guidance for facilitators (google doc)

  • Tension Shifting Guidelines - explains the steps used in tension shifting meetings. Can also be used as a prompt by the facilitator during the meeting. Read time is 10 minutes plus.

  • Meeting template generated from the SR project - This meeting template was created by the XR Systems Realignment Project. It contains a template for what it calls a feedback and learning session, that builds on the tension shifting, with some extremely useful alterations and additions - particularly relating to the latter stages of the meeting and issues around governance, role holding and marginalisation. It’s well worth looking at and considering whether incorporate some of its suggestions into your own meetings. It also suggests a template for an ‘operational’ meeting, which may be of interest.

  • Tension Shifting Meeting Minutes Template - a minutes template that you could copy & paste into your own minutes document, or simply use as a prompt for the facilitator during the meeting

  • Slides and video from a Tension Shifting workshop - scroll down. The video is a workshop from one of the creators of tension shifting & expresses well the spirit and nuance of the technique

  • Sharable Tension Shifting Workshop plan (workshop plan to go with slides and video below)

Tension Shifting Workshop