The Spectrum of Escalation is a visual model that I created a number of years ago. I use it for my de-escalation training and de-escalation strategies. (Thanks to my friend Stephen Schildbach of Schildbach Design for the recent update to the visual!).
The intent of the visual is to help people understand the ebb-and-flow of escalating behavior.
Here’s some key items to note related to the Spectrum of Escalation:
There are 3 main areas of focus: a) Prevention, b) Intervention, and c) Post-intervention (or post-vention, if you wish to use that term). The area of Intervention has the greatest width, as there is a range between Early Intervention through Advanced Intervention that can vary depending upon circumstances.
While most people & organizations rightly wish to focus on the details of what goes on via “Interventions,” it is important to note that there are many aspects of Prevention and Post-intervention that greatly impact long-term sustainability of effective Intervention approaches. In fact, I believe that truly effective Post-intervention practices lead us back to effective Prevention approaches.
For the vast majority of us, this understanding of the “wrap-around” elements of Post-Intervention practices leading to effective Prevention and Early Intervention strategies is something that we want. Many of us work in environments and deal with behavioral situations where there is a repetitive and/or recurring element to the challenges we face. When we have a sense of planning and continuity related to all three areas of the Spectrum, we are more likely to see consistent and confident approaches for the management of difficult situations. What’s more, we can develop systems that can allow for adjustments and alterations in our approaches, in lieu of thoughtful consideration when a situation is “not hot.”
When it comes to truly meaningful and sustainable approaches to managing problematic behavioral situations, it is best to “Strike While the Iron is Cold” – – before and after a problematic situation, not during the “heat” of a situation.
The most valuable “teachable moments” (for staff, for clients, for anyone) will occur when the situation has cooled. That is the time for the greatest learning opportunities. When the situation is red hot, Intervention towards sound therapeutic and safety principles is most relevant. However that is not the time to attempt to advance “lessons learned.”
It is during the period of Post-intervention and Prevention when we can make the most resounding steps to foster an environment of supportive learning without the pressure and stress of the Hot moment.
Keep an eye out for more blogs about Intervention approaches and other considerations for managing challenging behavioral situations.