Liminality is the uncertain transition between two states. People have left an old identity, structure, or understanding behind but have not yet reached a stable new one. The result can feel chaotic, emotionally difficult, and open to learning. section 5.2.3 section 5.4.5
Collaborative modeling creates liminality because participants expose their mental models to one another. Existing beliefs may be challenged before a shared understanding has formed. Compassion, rather than empathy alone, helps people navigate that vulnerable gap. section 5.2.3
Use liminality as a facilitation concern:
- Prepare participants for uncertainty instead of treating confusion as failure. section 5.4.5
- Choose collaborative styles that match how the group handles uncertainty, group size, and each stage of the work. section 5.4.5
- Hold space for ideas, concerns, and emotions so people can speak safely and connect with one another. section 5.9
- Agree on working contracts, such as when a large group should split, then reflect the situation back when the agreement is not followed. section 5.4.5
Recognizing the transition
A team moving from waterfall to Agile, or from software engineering to DevOps, may no longer fit its former identity while still lacking confidence in the new one. Compassionate facilitation can help people through the uncertainty. section 5.2.3
