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Transactional + Performative ≠ Transformative

By October 17, 2022No Comments

Transactional plus performative does not equal transformative text on dark orange and brown backgroundLately, it feels like everywhere you turn you see people using the word “transformative” to describe a service or product being offered. This is especially true in the marketing of talks, workshops, and retreats referencing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. When can an experience be truly transformative and when are people overpromising things that are transactional and/or performative but being marketed as transformative?

If something is transformative it is creating lasting change. Often, it means taking time to be reflective, changing behavior, creating new ways of doing things, and being intentional about where you want to invest yourself. Can lasting change come from a one-time experience? Sometimes. In our lifetimes, there are moments that can change the trajectory of our lives and be truly transformative. For me, one of those days occurred when I brought home my once-in-a-lifetime pup, Juniper. My life drastically changed as having a dog shifted my priorities and I ended up changing careers and even moving, all from that one experience. Can this same level of transformation happen in one talk or workshop? Maybe, but it’s highly unlikely.

“Too often, we see many using the word “transformative” to describe things that are more transactional and/or performative. Let’s just call things what they are and not over promise experiences that are not going to lead to true transformation.”

Too often, we see many using the word “transformative” to describe things that are more transactional and/or performative. Let’s just call things what they are and not over promise experiences that are not going to lead to true transformation. The next time you see something labeled as “transformative,” get curious about what it means.

At Prospera Partners, we take “transformative” seriously – a foundational piece of our work is transformational leadership. As our CEO, Vicki Pozzebon, so eloquently reminds us, “Transformational leadership is about changing yourself to change the systems around you.” Often, this does not come quickly, but rather is like a slow burn that may take time, but the change is often significant and will create impact far into the future.

If you are looking for transformation for your nonprofit or small business, please reach out to us at Prospera Partners. We believe in providing the short-term and longer-lasting support through consultation and facilitation needed for true transformation including through transformational leadership and systems change.


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