I am a learning and development specialist and have worked with many different types and sizes of organizations during the last 20 years.  Somewhere along the line, all of them have wanted to re-ignite a commitment to their mission, update their business model, bring equity and inclusion into resource allocation, and/or create more intentional management structures. I have found that using metaphors is a very effective way to begin discussions on solutioning specific obstacles.

Because I am also a dancer, I find that I see the world in terms of movement through space and that my service to an organization begins with studying the choreography of all its resources, both internally and externally.  The work is to refine or sometimes create the choreography that matches the musical themes/vision of an organization.  

Several years ago, I began learning Argentine Tango. As an art form, I fell in love with it because of its foundation on improvisation, rich cultural traditions and, its sophisticated technical discipline.  The more I studied and practiced, the more I realized I needed to learn and reflect — about the dance and about myself.  It was then that I realized how the art of Argentine Tango is the perfect metaphor to facilitate organizational change!

So, I decided to write a series of articles for organizational leaders using the metaphor of tango, to encourage you to experience your work and envision solutions to barriers using new imagery.  Topics are organized around the elements of Argentine Tango. 

Part 1: Commitment to Skill and Technique

• Program design
• Program management
• Program staffing

Part 2: Listening and Moving to the Same Beat

• Vision and mission
• Internal communication
• Organizational structure

Part 3: Building Navigational Skills brings Success

• Strategic planning
• Resource monitoring
• Managing board relations

Part 4: Style Through Expressive Storytelling

• Communicating a unique story
• Applying resources flexibly and innovatively to enhance storytelling

Part 5: Building a Dynamic Community of Peers

• Organizational evaluation
• Strength of strategic partnerships Opportunities for collaboration
• Awareness of other organizations 

I hope you will join me in my series on Organizational Change.