Changing Images to Change Lives

By Jen Schanen and Beverly Scow


The ToP Image Shift process can help a group identify how it perceives itself and shift this to a new image that serves it better. But what if this process were applied to an individual’s perception of self and environment? We recently had an unexpected opportunity to explore this.

For the sake of anonymity, we’ll introduce our participant as Sarah, a valuable supporter and volunteer in our community, the Wise Women Gathering Place in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the US. She came to a meeting at our office looking deflated and stressed. Sarah, a college student, said that her Business Finance course was taxing her—she was not motivated to study, did not feel welcome in class and was worried that she would not have the strength to earn a good grade.

Beverly suggested we explore the possibility of shifting Sarah’s image, or perception, of her Business Finance class. Sarah defined her current image as “Business Finance is complicated and boring,” and hoped to shift it to “Business Finance is interesting and helpful.” Our discussion helped us to explore the messages holding her current image in place: she doesn’t care for maths; feels the course is a waste of her time; and has high expectations for her performance.

When we dug deeper, we unearthed other strong messages, rooted in past associations. The concepts of Business Finance surfaced other related sentiments —politics can be harmful, money can divide and put people against each other, and people involved in these fields are not to be trusted. Sarah did not like being boxed into following these. It became clear that in order to hold her new image in place, we would need to identify some robust messages aligned with her values.

As we worked to support Sarah’s new image, she identified herself as a determined and responsible person. She values people — making her a great volunteer for our organization but at the same time making it difficult for her to engage in a meaningful way with the seemingly cold coursework of Business Finance. When we were able to put in place messages about how a background in Business Finance might strengthen her ability to positively impact the lives of others, she opened up. She started to share other messages that might hold this new image in place: Business Finance could be a tool; she is a thoughtful and analytical person who could ask questions in class; and that having this information could make her a better advocate for the causes she believes in.

Since our image shift workshop, Sarah has returned to our circle brimming with enthusiasm over her new image of Business Finance class. She posted notes with her new messages on the cover of her textbook and in her notebook. She said she is now more attentive in class and sees how learning these concepts is important for her. It appears that the image shift has taken hold and been internalized.

We are impressed and encouraged by Sarah’s good work. Yet, an area for further exploration remains: what helps an image shift “stick”? When image shift work is done, meaningful conversations can certainly take place. However, how does a facilitator ensure this work will be adopted and maintained by the participant? What practical tips or strategies can help make certain this takes place? We look forward to continued discussions and discovery in these areas.

Jen Schanen and Beverly Scow are co-facilitators of the Wise Women Gathering Place. Jen, a candidate for ToP Certification, is a Program Outreach & Evaluation Specialist, while Beverly, a Certified ToP Facilitator & Trainer, is Assistant Director. Wise Women Gathering Place, 2482 Babcock Rd, Green Bay WI 54313 (920) 490-0627 – www.wisewomengp.org