The “Transformation Story” canvas was developed to illustrate the core challenges of transformation. It guides us through the essential
phases of every transformation: from origin to trial, fulfillment, and ultimately to mission. It draws inspiration from the Exodus myth,
which has shaped monotheistic religions and modernity for 3,000 years: We all have the right to move from a bad life to a good one.
But how?
Out of Bondage (Origin and Departure): Transformation begins with admitting that things cannot continue as they are; that
we and future generations deserve something better. But why do we often fail to embark on this journey? Because every
bad situation also has something good (the “pots of meat”). We are bound by ambitious large-scale projects (pyramids), or
seemingly insurmountable obstacles appear before us. In short: Why should we leave? Where are we headed? What holds us
back?
The Journey Through the Desert (Probation and Renewal): The phase of Probation – symbolized by the desert – represents the
challenges every transition entails. It is a time of deprivation, disorientation, but also reflection. Here, it becomes clear what
truly matters and where we stand in our own way. It is also the time to lay the first foundations for the future – new rules that
will guide us when we reach the “promised land.” In short: What do we need to go through? How can we use the journey to
explore and test the new order?
Settling in the Future (Fulfillment and Mission): There is no blank-slate future. Every new beginning is already burdened with
resistance, interests, and habits. How can we ensure that the new can prevail and thrive? That the hopes are fulfilled – for
everyone, not just for the powerful? And how can we ensure that the departure continuously renews itself, keeps learning, and
keeps evolving? Finally, how do we ensure that these insights and inventions are not kept to ourselves but shared? In short:
Transformation is not a final state but an ongoing process of renewal that grows when shared and passed on.
You can interpret the symbols further yourself and relate them to your transformation story. As an analog method, this is not about exact transfer. Use this roadmap to ask yourself: What stands out in our efforts to transform an unsatisfactory present into a truly sustainable better future?
Complementing this core structure are additional analogies drawn from the Exodus myth. On pages 70/71, there are also cards to cut out as tools for transferring these symbols to your reality:
Phase 1: Departure (Out of Bondage) - Pause and prepare to break free from:
- Not & Leiden: Distress & Suffering: What drains our energy (“pyramids”), plagues us (“plagues”), and keeps us stuck (“pots of meat”)?
- Resistance & Support: What forces block us (“Pharaoh”), and what persuasion is needed (“prophet”)?
- Departure & Obstacles: Preparation for departure (“Passover”)? First obstacle (“Sea of Reeds”) and possible miracle?
Phase 2: Probation (Through the Desert) - Overcoming the transitional crisis and proving and renewing ourselves along the way:
- Drought & Sustenance: What gives us direction (“desert”) and nourishes or refreshes us (“manna,” “spring of water”)?
- Trials & Temptations: Grumbling (“Harderwasser”) and rebellion (“Dance around the Golden Calf”) because it takes a long time?
- Scouting & Generational change: How do we find the w ay (“scouts”? and rejuvenate ourselves (“40 years”)?
Phase 3: Fulfillment (Into the Promised Land) - Filling the new order with life, defending it and developing it further:
- Crossing Borders & Conflicts: what border (“Jordan”) and resistance (“fortress”) do we need to o vercome?
- Taking Possession: How do we enforce the new order and w hat power struggles do we have to face?
- Roles & Division: How do we want to lead ourselves in the future (“assembly”)? How do we divide resources and avoid accumulation of power? (Allocation of the land)
Joker Cards: Discovering Additional Insights
To get to the real crux of the matter, additional jokers help, such as: A sandstorm is coming, what do you do? You find a supply depot, what would such unexpected resources be? A mirage is fooling you? What? How do you deal with this (mis)deception? Up to fantastic jokers like: You find a magic lamp: You have three free wishes. The transformation story canvas offers a symbolic structure for discovering the essence of a transformation process. Use it freely and impartially to gain orientation and inspiration for your transformation projects!
You can find the German Canvas here.
You can find the English Canvas here.
You can find the Spanish Canvas here.
You can also cut out matching analogy cards that can serve as a guide when transferring meanings—helping you determine which symbol in your reality corresponds to what. Don’t let it confuse you. Even though the following terms reference the religiously charged Exodus myth, they contain an eternal core. In the sense of: "Myths do not disappear; only their names change" (Roland Barthes: Mythologies, 1957). In other words, myths remain relevant even in modern society; only their form changes.
You can find the German Canvas here.
You can find the English Canvas here.
You can find the Spanish Canvas here.