The OPERATION: DELTA program was developed to provide the confidence needed to lodge chiefs, lodge advisers, and any upcoming leaders within the Order of the Arrow to create positive change, even through the unknown. The curriculum is based upon The Path-Goal Theory of Leadership published by Robert House in 1971 (revised in 1996) and The Change Curve Model published in Managing Transitions by William Bridges in 1991. The Path-Goal Theory of Leadership identifies four leader behaviors: Directive, Supportive, Participative, Achievement-Oriented. The Change Curve Model illustrates the three steps of going through change: The turmoil of an ending, going through the confusion of the transitioning neutral zone, and the achievement of a new beginning.
This theory and model shape the following sessions in the form of missions. The first session, “Operation Briefing” introduces the idea of pushing through the unknown, as a leader, on to a better future. From here on to the end of training, each session, or mission focuses on instructing, engaging, and empowering each learner, which are referred to as Change Agents, to go through the messy change and find the brighter tomorrow. In this engagement, each Change Agent has the opportunity to look inwards at their leadership behavior as they find their own curve of change.