Connectors
Keep contact possible when relationships become strained.
Het Cohesieveld · The book
The strength
of the middle.
How do we stay connected as the world around us becomes more polarised?
The middle is not a passive space. It is an active field of forces: a space that holds differences, allows nuance and makes tension manageable.
Dutch-language edition · Order from publisher Verhaal met Impact
Living together in times of tension
See things differently.
Listen differently.
Act differently.
A book offering language, frameworks and relatable examples for anyone working with people, groups and communities.
- How tension and polarisation develop
- Why the middle is under pressure, and why it matters so much
- Learning to see multiple perspectives at once
- Using friction to strengthen connection
- Building cohesion in everyday practice
For professionals, public leaders, teachers, youth workers, team leaders and local residents. And anyone who believes that living together is worth the effort.
Two complementary perspectives
Polarisation explains separation.
Het Cohesieveld reveals collective strength.
If you only look at polarisation, you mainly see where relationships are strained and hardening. If you only look at cohesion, you may underestimate how firmly us-versus-them thinking has taken hold.
That is why I combine both perspectives. The polarisation lens helps interpret the dynamics and risks. Het Cohesieveld reveals the relationships, people and practices that still provide support. Together they create a more realistic picture and stronger options for action.
This combination is available as a workshop, training course, presentation or keynote and is always tailored to your context.
The Cohesion Field in practice
Look at what still holds people together.
If you only look at what is breaking down, you miss the people, places and practices that keep things together.
Recognisers
Give words to pain, discomfort, hope and aspiration.
Narrative builders
Create stories that offer direction beyond us-versus-them thinking.
Quiet supporters
Provide calm, continuity and shared social expectations.
Working with the Cohesiekaart
In The Cohesion Field in practice, we use the Cohesiekaart (Cohesion Map), which I developed, to identify the sustaining roles, explore the five principles and choose a suitable next step in your own context.
Explore the course using the Cohesiekaart ↗Five principles of cohesion
- Relationships come before content.
- Recognition precedes change.
- Symbolism shapes meaning.
- Cohesion grows through practice.
- Making space is relational work.
The first step
Tell me what is happening.
A 30-minute call, with no obligation. Together, we explore what your situation needs.
From the publisher
“An incredibly inspiring and educational collaboration”