The Tree of Alignment 2.0: An Ecological Metaphor for Transformative Change

By Nora F. Murphy Johnson, PhD

This article is part of our series on understanding the Tree of Alignment as a Theory of Engagement.

Just two months ago, I unveiled the Tree of Alignment (ToA) in my inaugural article — a metaphorical yet practical framework integral to our Theory of Engagement at Inspire to Change. This innovative concept was designed to nurture environments ripe for meaningful and enduring transformation. Since its introduction, I’ve had the privilege of employing the ToA with numerous clients, and the response has been tremendous. Guiding them through this framework and its application in their unique contexts has yielded swift and profound insights. These interactions have not only affirmed the framework’s effectiveness but also highlighted areas needing further refinement and depth in my understanding.

Staying true to my commitment to sharing my thinking as it unfolds, I’m excited to share with you the evolved version of the Tree of Alignment, reflecting the latest insights and enhancements.

The Modifications

I’ve made some modifications. They aren’t drastic, but they are important so I want to call out each change individually.