The LCS Forum 2024 discusses how to improve local capacity and leadership. It emphasizes the importance of supporting local actors and building trust among stakeholders. The forum highlights the need for shared understanding and collaboration to address community issues. It also focuses on social accountability as a way to strengthen governance and improve public services. Overall, the goal is to empower communities to take action and drive positive change.

The session at the LCS Forum 2024 focused on strengthening local capacities for development. Participants discussed the importance of collaboration among local partners and communities. They emphasized the need to create flexible action plans that align with local goals. The goal is to empower organizations and improve educational outcomes through collective efforts. Overall, the forum aimed to brainstorm solutions for enhancing capacity building initiatives.

The article discusses how to use insights from The Foundation Review to create meaningful change. It emphasizes the importance of building trust and community among participants. The authors highlight the role of mental models in shaping strategies for addressing complex problems. They suggest that aligning mental models can enhance collaboration and impact. The overall goal is to foster systems change through collective learning and action.

Dave Snowden discusses the importance of mindset in understanding complexity. He emphasizes that individual behaviors and mental models influence how people perceive and interact with their environment. Snowden suggests that thinking holistically [AI’s summary, which I’m sure Dave would object to!] and recognizing context is crucial for effective decision-making. He also highlights the need to change discourse and foster collective thinking. Overall, he advocates for a shift in how we approach leadership and collaboration within complex systems.

Super tags are a powerful feature that transform notes into organized items. You can create new super tags by simply typing them out. Each super tag has fields that link related notes, like tasks and projects. You can also add optional fields to customize how you use the super tags. Overall, super tags enhance note-taking and organization in Tana.

The text discusses the concept of constraints in complex systems. It explains how these constraints interact and can lead to emergent behaviors. Understanding these constraints can help us predict outcomes in dynamic environments. The relationship between context and constraints is crucial in analyzing complex situations. Ultimately, recognizing these patterns can enhance our ability to navigate unpredictability.

The author is surprised that people outside of technical philosophy are interested in complexity. They emphasize that simplifying complex problems can lead to losing important qualities. Understanding complexity requires recognizing its limits and nuances. The discussion explores how cause and effect are more complicated in complex systems. Ultimately, the author suggests using terms like “influence” or “constraint” instead of just “cause” to better describe these relationships.

The blog introduces “Systemic,” a game designed to help policymakers understand and improve complex policy systems. Co-created by Policy Lab and Matteo Menapace, the game allows players to simulate policy-making and test potential changes. It focuses on addressing deep-rooted issues that require a systems approach, like climate change and inequality. Players will learn about how their current policies work and can explore new solutions in a safe environment. A beta version of “Systemic” is available for download, enabling teams to facilitate their own sessions.

Systemic challenges need systemic solutions, but current funding practices often focus on short-term projects. These funding methods do not support the collaborative and flexible approaches necessary for lasting change. Systemic investing aims to strategically use various forms of capital to create transformative effects in human and natural systems. It promotes deeper collaboration and recognizes the need for different types of financing for different outcomes. The goal is to enhance understanding and adaptability within interconnected systems, allowing initiatives to thrive together.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) in philanthropy is affected by power dynamics that influence how impact is defined and measured. Grantmakers often hold the power to shape MEL processes, which can marginalize the perspectives of grantees. Trust-based relationships can lead to more equitable conversations and decision-making. Employing methods like Forum Theatre can help address these power imbalances and foster collaboration. To improve MEL, it is essential to listen to grantees, adapt approaches to their contexts, and recognize the value of lived experiences.

The author shares insights from workshops with Prof Dave Snowden about Complexity thinking versus Systems thinking. Complexity thinking focuses on understanding the present and evolving rather than aiming for an ideal future. It recognizes that complex systems are influenced by multiple factors, making outcomes unpredictable. Additionally, setting strict targets can harm motivation and lead to unintended consequences. Finally, people are viewed as unique individuals with agency, not as interchangeable parts in a system.

The term “polycrisis” describes the many interconnected threats facing humanity today, like climate change and inequality. Experts often react with fear, focusing on small solutions rather than systemic change. Traditional development thinking is based on outdated views of progress and control, which can ignore local solutions and diverse perspectives. New approaches should recognize the complexity of social and natural systems and value local knowledge and creativity. Embracing these ideas can lead to better development strategies and help us address the challenges of the polycrisis.

Dave Snowden visited Hull to give a lecture and reconnect with his friend Yasmin Merali, who recently moved there. They discussed the need for clear boundaries between different systems thinking approaches. Snowden believes a multi-dimensional typology could help differentiate these approaches. He mentioned several dimensions to consider, such as causality and power orientation. Snowden plans to create a SenseMaker® database to gather different methods and create this typology.

Dave Snowden discusses the concepts of emergence and regularity in complex systems. He emphasizes that emergence arises from the interactions of actants, not just their individual parts. Snowden criticizes the idea of always taking a holistic approach, noting it can distort understanding. He stresses the importance of monitoring for weak signals and managing interactions within the system. Finally, he highlights that while regularities help us navigate the world, disruptions can lead to significant changes.

Dave Snowden receives both constructive and misguided criticisms of the Cynefin Framework on social media. Some critics misunderstand the framework by not reading supporting materials and confusing it with other models. He believes that reductionism in science is not inherently bad and can help explain complex systems. Snowden argues that complexity science reveals patterns that may vary but still follow an underlying structure. He emphasizes that abandoning science is unwise and often stems from a lack of understanding.

Gregory Bateson was a key thinker of the counterculture, yet he is often forgotten today. His work focused on the connections between technology, environment, and psychology. Bateson believed that society is facing dangers when these elements conflict. He introduced important concepts like the feedback loop and the double bind, helping us understand complex issues. His ideas remain relevant as we navigate the challenges of the digital age.

USAID is actively fighting corruption, which harms development in health, education, and other sectors. Corruption costs developing countries about $1.26 trillion each year and fuels violence and crime. To combat this, USAID has introduced an Anti-Corruption Policy and is increasing funding for anti-corruption efforts. They are also working with local journalists to expose corruption and improve accountability in supply chains, especially in the energy sector. By mobilizing collective action and resources, USAID aims to strengthen democratic institutions and support vulnerable communities.

The video “Tana Fundamentals 01 – Getting Started with Tana” introduces the basic features of the Tana app. It explains how to create notes, link them, and organize tasks using fields and super tags. Users can easily assign tasks and filter them based on their status. The app allows users to pull in and reference existing notes while creating new ones. Overall, Tana helps streamline note-taking and task management effectively.

Alicia Juarrero explores how constraints shape complex systems and our actions within them. Her ideas emphasize that context changes everything, influencing our behavior and identity in different settings. She introduced the concept of “constraint regimes,” which are stable patterns in dynamic systems, like whirlpools. In her recent seminar, she discussed how to navigate change in complex systems by focusing on feelings and contexts. Understanding these ideas helps us manage complexity in various environments, whether stable or turbulent.

System work is not about solutions; it’s about discovering and steering local pathways for change at a pace appropriate for our ability to learn and for what local communities can enact and absorb.” – Stanford Social Innovation Review. This quote perfectly sets the tone for part one of our two-part series on USAID’s Local Systems Position Paper. This paper isn’t just another framework—it’s a bold vision for reimagining development by prioritizing local actors within the system and locally-led solutions. In this episode, we’ll delve into the thinking behind the paper, explore its key ideas, and discuss how it fosters local ownership, trust, and sustainable systems. What inspired this shift, and what could it mean for the future of development? Let’s dive in!

We hope you enjoyed the first part of our deep dive into portfolio practices in the British Embassy Kathmandu in Nepal and the British High Commission in Nigeria. This episode is a continuation of our conversation with Federica and Craig, this time exploring how to work at the portfolio level beyond ODA, how to support a learning culture and the role of external facilitators in systems practice.

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Peter J Evans admires Ken Opalo’s rapid and insightful analysis during Kenya’s political crisis. He values Opalo’s ability to provide both critical analysis and actionable advice. Evans even created visuals to better understand and share Opalo’s ideas on fiscal challenges. By sketching system diagrams, Evans aims to help non-specialists grasp complex issues discussed in Opalo’s blogs. The visuals serve as a tool to digest and apply the economic insights presented.

Indy Johar, the innovative founder of Dark Matter Labs and a Professor of Planetary Civics, shares his insights on urgent global challenges. He discusses the alarming potential for societal collapse and the foundational shifts needed to redefine our relationship with the planet. With a focus on community and interconnectedness, he urges transformative actions to avert crises. Johar emphasizes the critical role of sustainable practices and resilience in creating a hopeful future, encouraging a conscious evolution towards a planetary civilization.

Buddhism and evaluation both help people achieve their goals by addressing challenges. The paper discusses how Buddhist concepts can improve evaluation. It highlights five key aspects where Buddhism offers a unique perspective. This approach emphasizes the relationship between evaluators and what they evaluate, and it values the nature of knowledge. Ultimately, applying Buddhist ideas can make evaluation more honest and inclusive.

Participatory action research (PAR) is a collaborative approach to solving complex challenges like climate change and social equity. It combines reflection and action in cycles to create sustainable solutions that involve diverse voices. Key principles of PAR include collaboration, empowerment, and addressing root causes of problems. This method encourages critical reflection, helping participants rethink their assumptions and improve their strategies. Overall, PAR fosters inclusive and adaptive solutions that are relevant to local communities.

The text discusses the importance of “collaborative agency” in the context of cybersystems and the current global challenges. It emphasizes that understanding ourselves happens through relationships with others, requiring both responsibility and the ability to respond. The “praxis of co” refers to the practice of collaboration, which can take many forms and is influenced by technology and social interactions. Effective collaboration needs a thoughtful design that acknowledges the unique histories and perspectives of participants. Finally, achieving meaningful collaboration requires a commitment to transparency and ethical purpose.

A new online course on Data-Powered Positive Deviance (DPPD) is now available. The course teaches how to use digital data to find successful practices for solving complex problems. It includes five modules covering the DPPD method, identifying positive deviants, and designing effective interventions. This course is for anyone interested in making positive change through data, from beginners to experienced professionals. You can join for free and earn a certificate by visiting atingi.org and searching for “Data-Powered Positive Deviance.”

We are delighted to introduce this limited series produced by the Portfolio MEL (PMEL) programme in Nepal, funded by the British Embassy Kathmandu and implemented by Abt Global. We talk about systems practice through an action-oriented lens and see what has and has not worked in practice. The episodes will debunk complexities around systems thinking, portfolio approaches, adaptive management, PEA in action and evidence use for impact. In short, some of the deceptively simple or surprisingly complex approaches used today in our sector.

Focusing too much on outcomes can distract us from what truly matters in complex social change efforts. We should embrace a cycle of reflection and adaptation instead of rigidly pursuing specific goals. It’s important to regularly zoom out and reassess our assumptions about the world around us. This approach allows us to stay flexible and responsive to changing circumstances. Ultimately, meaningful change requires us to balance focus with the ebb and flow of our dynamic environment.

USAID staff are generally familiar with the Local Systems Framework (LSF) and believe it is crucial for sustainability. However, LSF implementation relies heavily on individual champions rather than being institutionalized within the Agency. Most operational units lack dedicated systems experts, which affects their ability to implement the framework effectively. Workshops identified key constraints to LSF implementation and explored potential solutions. A positive perception of LSF’s value is essential for motivating staff to adopt its principles in their work.

The text discusses different places to intervene in a system, ranked by effectiveness. It emphasizes that changing our mindset is crucial for meaningful change. Systems are seen as fictions we create for our purposes, not fixed objects. Real change may take time and requires inner transformation. Ultimately, we should learn to engage with systems more lightly and allow reality to guide us.

“Pause and Reflect” emphasizes the importance of taking time to understand our biases and perspectives before acting. It encourages a holistic view of complex situations, considering diverse knowledge systems and relationships. “Sense and Discover” focuses on building awareness of the current situation and the various viewpoints involved. “Make Sense” involves collaboratively figuring out what is happening and exploring multiple possible responses. Finally, “Learn and Adjust” highlights the continuous need to learn from our actions and adapt as necessary.

This week, twenty people met on Zoom to discuss the language of relationships. They explored the need for a broader vocabulary to describe different kinds of relationships. The group emphasized the importance of understanding that terms may have different meanings for different people. They also discussed the significance of naming ideas to advocate for change. Overall, the conversation highlighted the need for deeper understanding and reflection in our relational language.

Renee Lertzman reflects on the importance of understanding human unconsciousness in her journey through psychoanalysis and personal growth. She emphasizes the need for safe environments that support personal and collective healing. Lertzman connects her insights to the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam, which means repairing the world by addressing our own brokenness. She shares a poignant moment with her mother, discussing the significance of acknowledging past injustices. Ultimately, she encourages readers to engage with their feelings and foster connections for healing and growth.

The United Nations Development Programme is developing guidance for Systems Monitoring, Learning, and Evaluation (SMLE) in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. They have held several workshops to gather feedback from practitioners on this evolving approach. The guidance aims to help organizations transition from traditional Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) to a more systemic approach. Key challenges include understanding diverse organizational contexts and bridging the gap between traditional and systems-oriented practices. Adopting SMLE is a journey that requires commitment to learning and adapting to complex development challenges.

The Local Systems Position Paper from USAID outlines how the agency plans to use systems thinking in its work. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and engaging local systems to achieve sustainable results. USAID has identified six approaches to strengthen its systems practice. The paper also highlights the need for humility, curiosity, and collaboration with local actors. Overall, it aims to promote resilience and adaptability in development efforts.

USAID’s Local Systems Framework (LSF) is marking its 10th anniversary, prompting plans for a new position paper. The LSF was created to improve international development by shifting from linear thinking to systems thinking. It emphasizes the importance of relationships and co-production among various actors for sustainable outcomes. Over the years, the framework has influenced many development approaches and policies. However, there are still challenges in fully embracing systems thinking, particularly in valuing learning and accepting limits on control.

USAID launched a Local Systems Position Paper to promote systems practice in development work. This approach emphasizes understanding local contexts and fostering strong relationships within communities. It encourages action and collaboration, moving beyond mere analysis to create lasting partnerships. The paper outlines practical steps for integrating systems thinking into programs to enhance locally led development. Overall, it aims to elevate local knowledge and ensure effective engagement in the development process.

The article argues that valuing interventions in education should focus on relationships rather than just technical methods. It highlights that accountability is relational, and strong connections among stakeholders can improve outcomes. The current “smart buys” approach overlooks the importance of these relationships and the complexities of implementation. Donors are encouraged to invest in understanding systems and engaging local actors to support effective education practices. Overall, a shift in focus from narrow research methods to broader relational dynamics is needed for better educational results.

International development organizations often seek quick “best practice” solutions, known as “best buys,” for complex problems like education. However, these approaches overlook the unique contexts and political factors that influence the effectiveness of interventions. Many recommended strategies focus too heavily on test scores and simple metrics, ignoring broader learning outcomes and complex changes needed in education systems. The evidence supporting these “best buys” is often limited and biased, favoring certain studies while ignoring others. A more effective approach would consider context and relationships, advocating for “best fit” strategies instead.

Transition mapping is a new approach to diagnose and support changes in systems, particularly in regenerative agriculture. It helps identify key areas where capital can effectively intervene to drive transformation. By focusing on underlying drivers and challenges, it prevents misallocation of resources and uncovers investment opportunities. This method emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts among various capital allocators to achieve greater impact. Ultimately, transition mapping aims to guide sustainable investments that foster significant systemic change.

This policy paper explores responsive governance in the Pacific, developed by UNDP and La Trobe University. It emphasizes the need for locally tailored governance models that consider regional values and practices. The analysis draws on international literature and insights from a workshop with key stakeholders in the Pacific. It suggests that hybrid and locally led governance models could lead to significant changes in governance systems. The paper aims to guide UNDP’s efforts in creating more inclusive and accountable governance in the region.

The literature review by Lisa Denney and colleagues explores accountability in the Pacific region. It highlights how traditional governance and modern accountability concepts intersect in six Pacific countries. The review emphasizes the importance of understanding local contexts and power dynamics in shaping accountability practices. It also discusses various accountability actors, including citizens, and their roles in promoting responsive governance. Finally, the review raises key questions for further research on accountability in the Pacific.

Ralph Stacey, a key figure in organizational complexity, passed away earlier this month. He founded the Complexity & Management Centre at the University of Hertfordshire. Stacey is best known for the Stacy Matrix, which influenced Agile methods like Scrum. He had a background in economics and psychotherapy, which shaped his later work. Stacey’s ideas deserve continued attention and engagement within the field of complexity.

Critical systems thinking combines different approaches to understand complex systems. It recognizes the importance of various perspectives and methodologies. This type of thinking helps us address challenges in human, social, and technological contexts. It encourages collaboration and co-creation for better system awareness. Ultimately, critical systems thinking aims to improve our understanding of the world and how we engage with it.

The Mike Jackson Lecture 2023 at the University of Hull discusses the importance of complexity science in understanding human systems. It emphasizes using theory-informed practice to facilitate meaningful change in management and public policy. The lecture highlights how to manage complex problems by recognizing patterns and encouraging innovation. Decision-making is improved by addressing the perceptions that influence human interactions. Overall, it advocates for a systems thinking approach to better navigate complexity in various environments.

International organizations like USAID can help local actors lead development by respecting their priorities and decisions. They should create partnerships that empower local groups and strengthen their abilities. Funding should support local organizations and make them equal partners in projects. Donors need to ask local leaders how they want to work together and adjust their practices accordingly. The goal is to build a more effective and sustainable system that centers on local leadership.

In the context of polycrisis and systemic collapse, the primary challenge we face is a widely shared sense of collective depression—a lack of agency in regard to the bigger picture. What does it take to serve evolutionary transformation in the face of this collapse? In our view, it takes a form of knowing which extends beyond the current constructs of first-, second- and third-person knowing around which much of our current learning, knowledge, and leadership systems are organized. In this paper, we suggest fourth-person knowing as a distinct epistemology at the intersection of the other three, and we draw on our action research to illuminate five phenomena that point to and distinguish fourth- person knowing: (1) knowing that comes through me but is not of me; (2) knowing that shows up in my individual experience as a decentering of perception; (3) a heightened sense of potential, of possibilities that previously were experienced as unattainable now appear to be in reach; (4) sensing your own agency in helping the ‘universe’ (the larger field) to evolve; and (5) significant long term impact in terms of practical results.

Facing the great scale of societal challenges, philanthropic organizations are increasingly calling for systems change. Evaluating systems change requires innovative approaches that respond to the complexities of such change in ways that support equity and multiracial democracy rather than undermining them.

A key concern in evaluating systems change is how to do so rigorously. Rigor has traditionally been equated with evaluative criteria such as independence and objectivity, and experimental methods and evidence hierarchies which sit uncomfortably with both complexity and equity. Yet when taking an alternative approach, many philanthropic organizations fear that without these standards, there are no standards at all.

Establishing means to assess evidence standards is a key challenge for complexity-informed evaluation. This article argues that more appropriate, flexible, and inclusive standards for assessing evidence qualityin systems-change efforts are achievable. Based on a review of evidence standards, learning from the causal pathways and inclusive rigor networks, and using the example of evaluation of the CLARISSA program, it lays out a set of principles and tools to guide assessment by philanthropic organizations of evidence quality in systems-change evaluation.

The text discusses the concept of relationality across different cultures. It highlights how various cultures view relationships with others, nature, and their communities. Indigenous cultures express relationality through terms like kinship, which includes connections to the land and animals. Filipino psychology emphasizes “Kapwa,” showcasing shared identity and mutual care. Other cultures, such as Māori, Japanese, and Chinese, also illustrate the importance of community ties and collective well-being.

The Pacific region is facing challenges in governance as international competition increases. A new research partnership is exploring accountability ecosystems in Pacific Island Countries. This study focuses on how power is held accountable and the relationships among various actors in society. Traditional governance systems are important and need to be understood by external actors. The research aims to find ways to improve accountability that consider local contexts and interests.

La Trobe University is working with the UNDP Pacific Office to study accountability in six Pacific countries. The research will explore local views on accountability and the key players involved. It aims to highlight how accountability functions differently across the region. The project will also identify opportunities to improve accountability led by Pacific Islanders. Various country studies and a literature review will support this research.

The literature review emphasizes the importance of understanding systems before proposing solutions. It highlights that no single actor can drive change alone, and collaboration is essential. Systems thinking acknowledges that reforms must align with existing incentives and contexts. Engaging the right people is crucial for effective systems change. Ultimately, systems change is iterative and unpredictable, requiring ongoing adaptation and learning.

Samantha Power, the leader of USAID, wants to give more decision-making power to local actors in development. Many countries, like the UK and Denmark, support the idea of localization, but it is challenging to implement. There is no clear definition of what localization means or how to apply it effectively. Donor agencies often have systems that make it hard for local organizations to participate. To improve localization, donors should clearly define it, streamline processes, and learn from their experiences.

+1 Elevate is a new collaborative fund launching in 2025 aimed at strengthening vulnerable communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. It will support locally-led initiatives that focus on systemic change and resilience in various areas such as health, food security, and the environment. The fund will provide flexible funding and resources to empower these initiatives and enhance their impact. +1 Elevate seeks to connect and amplify the efforts of these organizations to attract more attention and support. Ultimately, it aims to improve community resilience and inform philanthropic practices in the region.

The Ecosystem Cards are a tool designed to help individuals and groups understand and engage with socio-ecological systems. They guide users through three phases: diagnosing the current state, envisioning desirable futures, and planning strategic experiments. The process encourages collaboration, as no one can fully represent an ecosystem alone. Each card includes questions, tips, and resources to deepen understanding. The cards were developed through collaboration with various experts in systems change and ecosystem building.

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Polynesian navigators used traditional techniques to navigate the ocean, inspiring modern leadership approaches. Wayfinding leaders adapt to change and help others realize their potential. They focus on being present and responsive to their environment. Key practices include fostering a shared purpose and moving from a state of stillness. This leadership style emphasizes exploration and personal growth.

The author emphasizes the need for a new approach to development that focuses on collaboration across sectors. They highlight the UNDP’s portfolio approach, which addresses complex challenges by moving beyond traditional projects. This method has successfully mobilized significant funding and demonstrated the need for long-term systemic change. The author calls for a transformation in public sector governance to tackle pressing global issues effectively. They urge stakeholders to adopt this collaborative model as the default for achieving lasting impact.

The article “Fourth Person” by Otto Scharmer and Eva Pomeroy discusses a new way of knowing called fourth-person knowing. This concept helps individuals and groups connect deeply with each other and their environment. The authors argue that this deeper awareness can lead to significant societal change. They emphasize the importance of bridging the “knowing-doing gap” to inspire action. Overall, embracing fourth-person knowing can foster a more interconnected and sustainable future.

The Learning Framework helps teams engage in evidence-based decision-making for systems change. It emphasizes setting boundaries, integrating diverse perspectives, and acknowledging uncertainty. The Framework consists of five elements: hypotheses, assumptions, learning questions, evidence collection, and sensemaking. Regular reflection and adaptation are crucial to ensure effective learning and course correction. This approach aims to improve understanding and outcomes in complex systems.

A new book by Dan Davies highlights a crisis of unaccountability in organizations, leading to public frustration and conspiracy theories. Many systems, from customer service to corporate governance, lack identifiable accountability, causing poor decisions. This unresponsiveness is linked to a focus on maximizing shareholder value, which neglects broader social and environmental concerns. Davies suggests that using cybernetics, a field focused on systems and feedback, could help improve decision-making processes. He argues for making private equity firms accountable for their debts to foster better corporate governance and reduce systemic issues.

The author explores “Ecotone Organising” as a new model for effective collective action, especially in climate transitions. This approach emphasizes creating spaces that are not owned by any single organization, fostering collaboration across sectors. It aims to build relationships and support initiatives through shared capabilities and flexible governance. Examples of existing models similar to Ecotone Organising include social labs and collective impact initiatives. The goal is to unlock new possibilities for collaboration and address complex challenges together.

The text discusses the importance of community and connection. It emphasizes that society is about friendly associations and shared humanity. Words have deep meanings that can reflect our experiences and transformations. The author encourages us to see the beauty in our communities and the potential for growth. Ultimately, we are both the gardeners and the garden, learning to nurture each other.

Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James Robinson won the Nobel Prize for their work on economic institutions. They argue that inclusive institutions lead to prosperity, while extractive institutions hinder growth. The author highlights that their analysis overlooks the interconnectedness of British and colonial economies, particularly regarding slavery. He urges economists to engage more deeply with historical perspectives and the complexities of institutions. Understanding both the positive and negative aspects of institutions is essential for better policy-making today.

The presentation discusses mental models related to systems change in evaluation and strategy. It highlights the importance of aligning these mental models with the systems in which they operate. Two main models are explored: Systems Dynamics and Systems Emergence. Misalignment between models can lead to conflicts and ineffective strategies. The session encourages participants to make their mental models visible and take action to align them.

Matt Bell discusses the need to rethink accountability in public services. He argues that current views often focus on blame rather than learning. Positive accountability should involve open communication and shared responsibilities among diverse stakeholders. At POP+, they implement networked accountability to enhance collaboration and trust. Their Street-to-Scale funding model encourages community action by prioritizing trust and transparency.

Over the last few years, many of us have been talking more and more about the importance of putting relationships first in our organisations, systems and communities. In being party to some of these brilliant conversations, and developing our own thinking, we’ve amassed an ever-growing list of useful terms and phrases that help us explore ideas around relationship-centred practice, and make the case for it.

Some of these terms are, by now, well-established; others have made their way into the world more recently. You might have different definitions or explanations for some of the terms. Our aim in sharing this list is not to draw boundaries around their definition or lay claim to their usage, but rather to help expand our shared vocabulary and equip us all to advocate for relational ways of working.

The article discusses the shift from “field building” to ecosystem approaches in supporting place-based initiatives. It emphasizes the need for collaboration among diverse organizations to create greater impact. Ecosystems focus on co-creating value rather than scaling individual efforts. This approach encourages flexibility and innovation while recognizing the roles of both competition and collaboration. Ultimately, it aims to enhance community-led practices and improve outcomes for local challenges.

Systems thinking and complexity theory are key to modern organizational design. They include concepts like feedback loops, resilience, and self-organization. Many ideas are shared between the two fields, but some are unique to each. For example, holism is mainly found in systems thinking, while attractors belong to complexity theory. Understanding these concepts helps improve how organizations operate and adapt.

Philanthropy should focus on improving government systems to create fair and sustainable societies. Strong governance is essential for addressing social and economic issues effectively. Donors can support initiatives that promote transparency, accountability, and civil service capabilities. Countries like Malawi show how strategic philanthropy can lead to meaningful progress in governance. Investing in good governance worldwide is crucial for lasting positive change.

Relational Data Practice focuses on combining stories and data to show the impact of building relationships in communities. Traditional data methods may hinder the growth of trust and connections among community members. Instead, organizations should track relationship-building activities like gathering, care, action, and conflict. Collecting and analyzing relational data helps identify community strengths and areas for growth. This approach fosters trust between funders and communities by illustrating progress and potential for impact.

The report discusses the Human Learning Systems (HLS) approach to public management. It emphasizes that people are at the center of complex systems and have multiple roles in their lives. Practitioners have created case studies and participated in discussions to share their experiences. This approach encourages social learning and emphasizes shared purpose among community actors. The work of various organizations showcases the practical application of HLS principles.

Dr. Michael C. Jackson discusses systems thinking and its role in managing complexity. He emphasizes the importance of understanding complex systems for effective decision-making. Systems thinking allows for diverse perspectives, helping to clarify issues within a system. Jackson also highlights the challenges faced when applying traditional science to complex situations. Overall, he advocates for critical systems thinking as a way to improve understanding and problem-solving in complex environments.

The author critiques the view that democracy alone explains prosperity in the West, arguing that this perspective overlooks colonial extraction’s role. They highlight that the classification of countries as “good” often favors Western democracies. The piece suggests that while democracy is important, it coexisted with exploitative practices in history. The author emphasizes that China’s rapid economic growth occurred without adopting Western-style democracy. Lastly, they call for a new approach to understanding global development that moves beyond Western-centric ideologies.

The Asia Foundation has released a new Strategy Testing Workbook for adaptive management in international development. This workbook helps improve programming effectiveness and achieve lasting results. It includes tools like political economy analysis and monitoring systems. The guide is divided into three sections: Build the Scaffolding, Set Up the System, and Document, Learn, Adapt. It aims to inspire innovative, context-sensitive strategies for development practitioners.

The Local Systems Position Paper was created after consulting over 100 USAID staff and 16 experts. Feedback highlighted the importance of systems thinking and the need for a more relationship-centered approach. Many concerns were raised, including the pressure for quick results and challenges in measuring success. External consultations emphasized the need for community-focused strategies and long-term funding. The paper aims to enhance USAID’s ability to support local systems and promote sustainable change.

This article revises the political settlements analysis (PSA) framework by integrating cultural political economy. It argues that PSA’s focus on material power overlooks the importance of social identity and moral beliefs in institutional change. By adopting a cultural approach, the article aims to better understand the mechanisms behind how institutions evolve. It emphasizes the role of ideas and norms, alongside economic and political structures, in shaping power relations. Ultimately, this revised approach offers a more comprehensive view of how institutions are influenced by both material and non-material factors.

Nate Hagens and colleagues discuss the importance of changing how we communicate to better understand our world. He emphasizes the need for deeper conversations that consider different perspectives and relationships. Discussants invites us to explore the complexity of interactions, both with each other and the environment. They make the case that effective communication can lead to positive change in society. Overall, the goal is to move beyond polarized views and foster a more connected understanding of life.

The thesis by I.M. Guijt explores how to improve monitoring for collective learning in rural resource management. It emphasizes the need for monitoring to support ongoing learning and adapt to changing environments. Guijt introduces important concepts like institutional transformation, messy partnerships, and participatory monitoring. A shift in perspective is necessary to view monitoring as a collaborative and dynamic process. The thesis proposes eight design principles and identifies nine learning purposes to enhance effective monitoring.

The focus on individual behaviors in applied behavioral science can lead to misunderstandings about behavior change. Many interventions struggle with issues like effectiveness and long-term sustainability. To improve HIV and TB prevention efforts, we need to rethink our basic assumptions. This involves a “Big Leap” toward a more comprehensive approach. Policymakers should ask key questions to ensure interventions are well-designed and impactful.

Classical science rejected the idea of complexity due to principles like universal determinism and reductionism. This led to a narrow view of knowledge that ignored the interconnectedness of systems. In the 19th century, the second law of thermodynamics introduced the concept of irreversibility, hinting at complexity. The Santa Fe Institute later helped define “complex systems,” challenging traditional scientific paradigms. Today, we recognize that complexity is essential for understanding both natural and social phenomena.

The panel discusses the concept of narrative assemblages and their role in understanding complexity. It highlights how agency and structure interact in shaping narratives and perceptions. By using assemblage theory, participants explore the relationships between narratives and their contexts. They emphasize the importance of storytelling in creating knowledge and shaping reality. Overall, the conversation seeks to deepen our understanding of how narratives influence our experiences and interactions.

Slides

Embracing ensembles means recognizing how different perspectives can work together creatively. This approach enriches our understanding by combining various forms of knowledge and evidence. It encourages us to accept tension between conflicting views and learn from them. By integrating diverse ideologies and disciplines, we can foster innovation and tolerance. Ultimately, embracing ensembles helps us find deeper insights and holistic solutions to complex challenges.

Dave Snowden discusses the difference between typology and taxonomy in decision-making contexts. Typologies are flexible frameworks that adapt to change, while taxonomies create rigid classifications that can be limiting. He emphasizes that using the right approach is crucial, especially in rapidly changing environments. The Cynefin framework blends these concepts, offering a way to understand complex situations. Ultimately, he warns against the dangers of overly simplistic categories that can obscure important nuances.

True learning is about fostering change and adaptation, not just acquiring knowledge. A recent gathering in Basel brought together diverse professionals to rethink learning’s role in their work. Participants discussed how learning should lead to tangible change and adaptation in individuals and systems. They emphasized the importance of creating supportive environments that nurture curiosity and vulnerability. Overall, learning is an ongoing process that must adapt to the complexities of the world.

The School of System Change has evolved its curriculum over the past seven years to improve systems change learning. They have developed four foundational learning outcomes and seven capabilities to guide participants in their practice. The focus is on understanding systems dynamics, leading from within, and engaging with others to create change. The curriculum emphasizes lifelong learning and navigating various methods for effective practice. The School invites collaboration and continues to adapt based on community insights and experiences.

The pandemic, climate change, rising populism, geo-political unrest – just a few of the issues causing turbulence in today’s world. We are living and working in times that are complex and fast changing. The Dao of Complexity is a book about challenging and deepening worldviews. It explores the remarkable resonance between complexity and Daoism, engaging with the processual, contextual and emergent nature both of ourselves and of the world of which we are a part. It connects to ideas from such diverse fields as quantum physics, brain science, political theory and economics. Jean Boulton asks what ‘making sense’ of the world means in these turbulent times and how that can galvanise action for those of us trying to make a difference, trying to ‘make waves’ in a world of increasing connectivity, polarisation and fragility.

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The U.S. mission in Afghanistan faced challenges with foreign assistance oversight. Oversight organizations like SIGAR aim to hold agencies accountable but can hinder learning. U.S. officials often prioritize appearing successful over genuinely improving. A shift in focus from progress to learning could foster better outcomes in foreign assistance. Agencies should be encouraged to share their challenges and learn from mistakes instead of hiding failures.

Corruption is a serious threat to U.S. national security. The Biden-Harris Administration has made fighting corruption a top priority with a new strategy. The U.S. has taken steps to hold corrupt individuals accountable and support anti-corruption efforts worldwide. This includes enhancing partnerships and training journalists to investigate corruption. These actions aim to improve safety, economic security, and democracy for both Americans and global partners.Corruption is a serious threat to U.S. national security. The Biden-Harris Administration has made fighting corruption a top priority with a new strategy. The U.S. has taken steps to hold corrupt individuals accountable and support anti-corruption efforts worldwide. This includes enhancing partnerships and training journalists to investigate corruption. These actions aim to improve safety, economic security, and democracy for both Americans and global partners.Corruption is a serious threat to U.S. national security. The Biden-Harris Administration has made fighting corruption a top priority with a new strategy. The U.S. has taken steps to hold corrupt individuals accountable and support anti-corruption efforts worldwide. This includes enhancing partnerships and training journalists to investigate corruption. These actions aim to improve safety, economic security, and democracy for both Americans and global partners.

In our most recent Sandbox session, co-hosted by Suzane Muhereza and Katherine Haugh, we explored the theme: Between Prediction and Emergence: Practitioners’ Takes and Tactics, through the question, How do practitioners design or navigate accountability frameworks and practices in ways that allow for emergence, flexibility and adaptation?

This session of UNDP’s MEL Sandbox discusses ways to improve evaluation and learning in projects. They emphasize balancing predictability and emergence in evaluations. Engaging stakeholders through participatory methods enhances accountability and learning. The aim is to measure impact effectively while adapting to changes. Overall, the focus is on fostering continuous learning to address complex challenges.

Traditional evaluation methods do not meet the fast-paced needs of innovation programs. They often focus on fixed timelines and questions, making them inflexible for real-time insights. Caribou Digital developed a “modular evaluation” approach that is flexible, timely, and focused on specific themes. This method allows for immediate feedback and supports decision-making during critical moments. As a result, organizations can adapt strategies quickly and improve their programs more efficiently.

Anna Birney, reflects on living change in a world facing significant challenges. She explores personal inquiries about health, emotional well-being, and community connection. Birney plans to deepen her skills in facilitation and coaching to support others through transformation. She seeks to create healthier organizational structures at the School of System Change. Over the next 15 months, she will focus on self-discovery, connection, and writing about her experiences.

Polarities appear in our work and personal lives, creating challenges in collaboration. A frustrated team member expresses concerns about the speed and complexity of a project plan. Tensions arise between those wanting quick results and those prioritizing quality. A good sponsor can help by recognizing these polarities and proposing a collaborative approach. By addressing these tensions as interdependent, teams can find productive ways to navigate their differences.

Ruth E. Levine discusses the importance of “localization” in global development. This shift is driven by funding commitments to support local organizations in low and middle-income countries. She argues that power should be closer to the people affected by decisions, allowing for more effective solutions. However, there are challenges with accountability and financial management that need to be addressed. Ultimately, localization should focus on values and impact, not just funding.

The +1 Global Fund is celebrating its fourth anniversary and reflecting on its journey. Over these years, they have learned about the complex global challenges that connect issues like climate change and inequality. They discovered that small, community-driven organizations, called “triple threats,” can effectively address these challenges. The fund is now focused on building a strong network of over 200 Awardees to encourage collaboration and innovation. In 2025, they will launch a new Fund to further support locally-led initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Portfolio practice has become increasingly commonplace as we recognise the interdependent nature of the challenges we face today. This document reflects our growing understanding of portfolios in practice, and proposes a next step toward a distributed governance of portfolios.

Systemic investing is a new approach that aims to transform human and natural systems for social justice and environmental sustainability. This document helps explain what systemic investing is and how it differs from traditional purpose-driven finance. It outlines key concepts like systems thinking, transformational intent, and strategic investment portfolios. The authors encourage feedback to refine the definition and practices of systemic investing. Overall, systemic investing focuses on deep, structural changes rather than incremental improvements.

Duncan Green discusses a meeting with aid economists about localization in aid work. The focus was on improving efficiency and value for money by involving local NGOs directly. Research shows that local intermediaries can be 32% more cost-efficient than international ones. There are concerns about the term “localization,” with a shift towards “locally-led development” gaining traction. The author suggests creating a network to promote action and solutions rather than more discussions.

Psychological biases can make it hard for us to make new friends and build strong relationships. One major bias is the “liking gap,” where we underestimate how much others like us. Sharing intimate thoughts can help create a sense of shared reality, leading to closer connections. People often hold back compliments, fearing they will seem insincere, but expressing gratitude actually strengthens bonds. By understanding and overcoming these barriers, we can enhance our social lives and enjoy better health and happiness.

Dario Amodei’s essay discusses how AI could greatly improve the world. He suggests that within 5-10 years, AI advancements could lead to 50-100 years of progress in various fields. This transformation will impact how we manage and process knowledge. AI will become a collaborative partner, enhancing human cognitive abilities and democratizing expertise. However, we must also consider ethical issues and adapt our knowledge management practices to this changing landscape.

Dario Amodei discusses the potential of AI to greatly improve biology and medicine. He predicts that AI could speed up progress in these fields, compressing decades of advancements into just a few years. This could lead to significant changes in human biology and health. However, there are concerns about ensuring equitable access to these benefits, especially in developing countries. Overall, while AI has great potential, it also poses risks that must be managed carefully.

The science of complexity shows that individuals and societies are interconnected and constantly changing. We are shaped by our relationships and environments, always in the process of becoming. Our behaviors and feelings can shift based on our surroundings and experiences. This complexity affects both our outer lives and our inner thoughts and emotions. Recognizing that we are not fixed can empower us to adapt and grow.

Systems thinking is often thought to have started after World War II, but it has much older roots. Notable figures like William Blake and Ludwig von Bertalanffy contributed ideas about systems long before the 1940s. The romantic period (1800-1850) also featured thinkers who explored systemic concepts, emphasizing the interconnectedness of reality. This history suggests that systems thinking is not a new invention but rather an evolution of older ideas. Overall, systems thinking reflects a long-standing tradition that challenges rigid frameworks of understanding.

International NGOs (INGOs) are considering their role in supporting locally led development. R4D believes it can help by connecting various global partners to local change agents. They focus on providing tailored support that aligns with local needs and builds on local expertise. R4D also facilitates collaborative learning networks to share knowledge among country leaders. The goal is to enhance coordination and ensure that global efforts support local priorities effectively.

Latticework is a tool designed to help users organize important text snippets more effectively. It allows users to highlight or copy snippets while maintaining their context, reducing confusion. Users can easily switch between different workflows for capturing and structuring their notes. The tool features collapsible snippet links to manage long documents and avoid overwhelm. Overall, Latticework aims to simplify the process of sensemaking from large amounts of information.

The author reflects on a day spent with Tamkeen to explore new ways of partnership beyond traditional reporting. Instead of a one-way report, they engaged in a conversation focused on joint learning and understanding. This approach allowed both partners to reflect on their experiences and share insights. They discovered the importance of shifting from reporting to meaningful dialogue. Ultimately, this process deepened their connection and understanding of each other’s humanity.

A new approach to government is emerging, focusing on missions and relational practices. This shift aims to improve how we govern in the twenty-first century. We need to move beyond traditional methods to address complex modern problems effectively. Emphasizing mission-driven government can help us prioritize important outcomes like sustainability. Ultimately, we must develop new collaborative capacities to meet today’s challenges.

Learning is change. This article explores the concept of learning as a continuous process of adapting to the conditions and environment around us. It emphasizes that learning is not just the acquisition of knowledge or the handover of understandings, but the cultivation of the ability to be in the world as it changes. The article also highlights the importance of intentionally increasing people’s capability to move with change and learn to do the work, as it is the lifeblood of any organization. The School of System Change aims to nurture a systemic, living paradigm where learning is seen as the essence of change.

The author reflects on the role of evidence in evaluation and funding decisions, considering two seemingly contradictory perspectives. On one hand, evidence is seen as necessary for demonstrating value for money and proving that change has occurred in a measurable way. On the other hand, the author argues that personal experience and the subjective judgments of those within a context can be evidence enough of a project’s meaningfulness and impact. The article suggests an action inquiry approach to evaluation, which invites stakeholders to become active participants and recognizes the complexity and emergent nature of change.

Wisdom is a deep understanding of our humanity that comes from lived experiences. A critical systems perspective helps us explore the interconnectedness of different wisdom traditions, both indigenous and global. It emphasizes the importance of love and mutual understanding in our shared human experience. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, we can create a more humanizing society. This approach encourages us to learn together and recognize our commonality as human beings.

The V20 Articles discuss enhancing education through intergenerational partnerships and values-based learning. These partnerships help bridge the gap between different age groups, fostering collaboration and mutual respect. A focus on shared values in education can create a more sustainable and inclusive system. The Moroccan education system is highlighted as an example of transformation through co-creation and trust. Overall, the goal is to build a resilient education ecosystem that values humanity and creativity.

Karima Kadaoui is the co-founder of the Tamkeen Community in Tangier, Morocco. She shared the story of Tamkeen at the Learning Planet Festival. The community focuses on creating a safe space for people to express their potential and learn together. Over ten years, they have transformed relationships in their neighborhood from violence to love. Tamkeen helps individuals and the education system find their own solutions and fosters a humanizing society.

Tamkeen Community Foundation and the European School of Governance partnered for a unique research project on socio-systemic complexity evaluation. This evaluation focused on understanding their metamorphic transformation rather than just measuring outcomes. It emphasized appreciation over traditional evaluation methods, allowing for deeper insights and shared understanding. The process acted as a mirror, reflecting the relationships and growth within Tamkeen and its partners. Ultimately, this approach helped dissolve misconceptions and highlighted the beauty of their collective journey.

The paper discusses the Tamkeen Community Foundation’s approach to growing shared understanding through co-reflected lived experiences. This process involves inquiry, learning, and a focus on love and humanity. The Tamkeen experience emphasizes relationships and collaboration, allowing participants to reflect on their experiences together. It aims to create social ecosystems that support human flourishing. Ultimately, the Tamkeen process seeks to transcend traditional research paradigms and embrace a more holistic understanding of transformation. (see also highlight 1 for actual abstract)

This paper explores the growing understanding of facilitating evaluation as an evaluation that facilitates. In social innovation and societal transformation processes, we learned that classical evaluations promote a predominantly project managerial approach to transformation and often get in the way of what the French philosopher Francois Jullien calls an organic, silent transformation. This paper shares the experience of how, from a safe and nourishing space, a humanizing society emanates. It embraces the experience of growing a shared understanding of the metamorphic transformation of social ecosystems from co-reflected lived experiences. It shares the experience of how this growing a shared understanding becomes an evaluation that facilitates the very process of the silent transformation of societal metamorphosis. We are looking at the processual unity of processes of metamorphic transformation and their evaluation.

Societal metamorphosis is explored through a research partnership between Tamkeen and EUSG. Tamkeen focuses on societal development and transformative learning experiences. The approach involves co-creation and co-facilitation with partners. Tamkeen aims to foster human potential and create safe spaces for growth. The research aims to understand societal metamorphosis and promote a humanizing society.

The article discusses the concept of Tamkeen, a societal development approach rooted in co-creation and understanding. It challenges traditional evaluation methods by focusing on relationality and empathy rather than outcomes. Tamkeen invites participation in a research ecosystem that prioritizes learning and epistemic humility. The authors reflect on the idea that true understanding may surpass traditional notions of knowledge. Tamkeen promotes a shift towards growing societal understanding and transformation through collaborative inquiry.

Following June’s presentation that introducing behavioural system mapping by UCL’s Dr Jo Davan Wetton, Jennifer Macklin from BehaviourWorks Australia at Monash Sustainable Development Institute shared ways to incorporate a systems approach into behavioural science using behavioural system mapping. The presentation walked step-by-step through some ways to use behavioural system mapping to: understand a problem, identify and prioritise behaviours, analyse connections between different behaviours in a system, understand drivers and barriers, select intervention strategies, and evaluate interventions that might lead to desired outcomes.

On this episode of Point of Relation, Thomas unravels the mysteries of attunement. Discover how this practice goes far beyond conventional emotional intelligence and continues into deeper connections and spiritual growth. Uncover the keys to transparent communication, trauma healing, and accessing subtle spiritual information for personal and collective transformation.

In this episode, we talk to Anna Birney and Sean Andrew from the School of Systems Change about using a living systems paradigm to understand social systems and complexity. They explore the work of changemaking through deep inquiry into relational dynamics and the prospect of shaping systemic change by addressing power dynamics. They emphasize embracing change at a granular level, recognizing the transformative potential in mundane actions becoming everyday practices that ultimately become the larger systemic shifts. Together, they advocate for intentional relational practices and structural clarity to foster healthy organizations and networks that honor diverse voices and histories.

Futures work too often ignores the value of a better understanding of the ‘thick present’ and its evolutionary possibilities, something this chapter seeks to correct. The underlying theory draws on complexity science, assemblage and constructor theories as well as distributed ethnography.

A new set of methods, ‘Estuarine Mapping’ is outlined which allows the definition of the various fractal topographies and energy gradients of the present. In turn, this allows us to intervene to change the dispositional state of the system so it is easier to achieve a desired outcome.

The chapter defines, and proposes a solution to, the problem of abduction in human decision-making. In trying to break an inability to see, pay attention to, and then act on weak signals the method seeks to plot a path to overcome a pattern of historical failure in futures work, despite accurate forecasts, scenarios and such like.

The chapter builds on the 2021 joint publication of the Future Systems Directorate of the European Union and the Cynefin Centre: Managing complexity (and chaos) in times of crisis. A field guide for decision makers inspired by the Cynefin framework (EUFG)

The author discusses mental models and internal representations in sensemaking. Traditional views suggest we create mental maps of the world, but Heidegger and Maturana argue against this. They believe we engage with the world directly through our experiences, without relying on internal representations. Meaning comes from our interactions, not from abstract models. This perspective highlights the importance of embodied experience in understanding the world.

The author explores the idea that Ubuntu is more than just a tool for education; it is a rich, interconnected ecology of relationships. True learning emerges from deep listening and witnessing, transcending traditional communication. Ubuntu teaches us that knowledge exists beyond words and is woven into our interactions with the world. The current education system often stifles this organic flow of learning. Instead of trying to control education, we should embrace its messy, relational nature and learn from the world around us.

Ecospectrals aims to address complex challenges in the built environment through interdisciplinary collaboration. They focus on integrating systems thinking, AI, and human insight to promote sustainable urban regeneration. The organization recognizes the importance of understanding both tangible and intangible factors that influence outcomes. They emphasize creativity and adaptability in navigating uncertainties to foster community-led transitions. Ecospectrals invites engagement to transform innovative ideas into practical solutions for a better future.

The Pando Fund aims to improve system health by providing funding for essential connections and conditions among people and projects. Unlike traditional funding, which focuses on individual solutions, the Pando Fund supports the entire system, helping leaders collaborate effectively. It seeks to foster relationships, share information, and create a shared vision for transformation. The fund would be governed by network participants, allowing for flexible and context-specific funding. Ultimately, the Pando Fund represents a shift towards a more holistic approach to philanthropy that prioritizes long-term system change.

The theory of change is an established, widely used approach to guide the design, implementation, and evaluation of change initiatives. Methodological literature primarily focuses on this approach as a way to model causal processes and, secondarily, as a participatory way for groups to explore a change process. We elevate a third use of a theory of change process: to (re)imagine future possibilities. Part 1 synthesizes prior literature to contrast three purposes (i.e., explanation, exploration, and (re)imagination) and emphasizes the opportunities for forward-looking, imaginative uses by combining the theory of change with foresight approaches. Part 2 presents a case example of a year-long process to reimagine how to support social enterprises and women entrepreneurs in Australia and the Pacific involving iterative co-development of a theory of change complemented by futures thinking. We close with lessons and future directions at the intersection of the theory of change and futures studies.

Marco Valente explores contradictions in the understanding of complexity. He highlights that complexity can be both difficult and easier depending on our approach. We often rely on biased perceptions, yet can draw on ancient wisdom to navigate uncertainty. Leaders must embrace both decisiveness and the acceptance of ambiguity. Ultimately, complexity is a unique field that also reflects ancient understandings of the world.

Human rights are still vital, but activists and NGOs face many challenges. They deal with external threats from governments and companies, as well as internal struggles within their organizations. To regain strength, they need to rethink power dynamics and embrace new ways of working together. This includes valuing spirituality and diverse sources of power in activism. Finally, changing the relationship between NGOs and donors is essential for effective support and collaboration.

The study explores how to build and assess resilience in the human rights field. It identifies the need for a rights-based understanding of resilience that considers local contexts and power dynamics. The research highlights four key elements: complexity, context, cultivation, and care. Current strategies for building resilience include network building and promoting people-centered organizations. There is a call for better monitoring and evaluation practices that embrace the uniqueness of each situation.

Nesta has developed a tool called policy blueprinting to help design and implement effective policies. This process brings together various stakeholders to collaboratively tackle complex social issues. It focuses on understanding the whole system and making complex problems easier to navigate. By treating policies as hypotheses, it encourages open feedback and rapid learning. Ultimately, policy blueprinting aims to create stronger policies that deliver meaningful social impact.

This book provides a basic introduction to Alfred North Whitehead’s Process and Reality. It shows the way beyond both reductive materialism and the traps of Cartesian dualism to a world of continual process and becoming, where each person relates to every other and to all of nature.

The author discusses how systems thinking often reflects a colonial mindset, focusing too much on objectivity and neglecting the social context. Many systems thinkers, especially from the Global North, overlook the importance of people, power, and purpose in their analyses. This leads to interventions that may be ineffective or harmful in local contexts, particularly in the Global South. The author argues for a more inclusive approach that considers indigenous knowledge and the complexities of social systems. By asking critical questions, systems thinkers can move towards a more equitable and effective practice.

Arbie Baguios discusses the effort to address injustice and oppression in the development and humanitarian sector. He shares insights from his research on refugee camp economies, focusing on how people create new rules in challenging conditions. Baguios argues that refugees’ everyday resistance leads to “worldmaking in the margins,” where they form new institutions that enhance their self-determination. He emphasizes the need for aid actors to recognize this resistance as a form of agency. Ultimately, he believes these efforts can lead to a more just and equitable future.

Doug Hofstadter discusses the nature of consciousness and self-reference in his work. He explores how the mind can create meaning and how this differs from artificial intelligence. Hofstadter reflects on the influence of cognitive science on his thinking. He emphasizes that human creativity is complex yet not as mysterious as it seems. His insights suggest a connection between symbols, meaning, and the essence of being human.

“Power to the People” by Danny Sriskandarajah is an optimistic call for social change in the 21st century. The book discusses reimagining democracy, democratizing economies, and improving global governance. Sriskandarajah emphasizes the importance of citizen participation and digital rights in shaping a better future. While some chapters are strong, he appears less passionate about economic reform and global governance. Overall, the book is thought-provoking and well-written, encouraging readers to engage in civic action.

Audrey Tang is Taiwan’s first transgender cabinet minister and a civic hacker. She believes the internet should promote inclusivity and democratize knowledge. Tang wants to combat misinformation and create a positive online environment. She has used digital tools to improve government transparency and public trust in Taiwan. Her dream is for a world where information is shared openly for the common good.

Typologies are well-established analytic tools in the social sciences. They can be “put to work” in forming concepts, refining measurement, exploring dimensionality, and organizing explanatory claims. Yet some critics, basing their arguments on what they believe are relevant norms of quantitative measurement, consider typologies old-fashioned and unsophisticated. This critique is methodologically unsound, and research based on typologies can and should proceed according to high standards of rigor and careful measurement. These standards are summarized in guidelines for careful work with typologies, and an illustrative inventory of typologies, as well as a brief glossary, are included online.

Complexity theories (CAS) and systems thinking (ST) have important differences. ST assumes that we can understand and model systems fully, while CAS acknowledges that complex systems cannot be fully known or predicted. In CAS, behavior is dispositional, meaning we can only see patterns in hindsight. ST has evolved to recognize that knowledge is distributed among participants, not centralized. Ultimately, both approaches aim to improve decision-making in complex environments.

The author emphasizes the importance of small projects to address immediate issues and foster change from the middle and bottom of organizations. He argues that real problems are often faced by senior middle managers, not top executives. The text discusses managing complex systems by optimizing granularity, distributing cognition, and removing decision-making barriers. The author suggests that increasing interactions within a system can lead to unexpected and beneficial outcomes. Finally, he introduces three key aspects of complex systems: granularity, abstraction, and coherence, which he will explore further in the next part.

The text discusses the concept of mental models and how they impact decision-making and understanding. It explores the idea that changing individual mental models can lead to systemic transformation. The text emphasizes the importance of understanding and evolving mental models to navigate complexity effectively. It introduces the concept of Constructor Theory as a framework for changing mental models. By changing individual mental models, one can influence how systems function and adapt to different situations. [I am not very comfortable with this summary]

Colombia is aiming for a Just Energy Transition, but many communities still face energy poverty. The Governance Action Hub held a workshop to explore how green energy investments can benefit local communities, especially in mining areas. Participants discussed the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders to ensure these investments are effective. They identified five key areas for ongoing support and action to maintain momentum. The goal is to create 20,000 Energy Communities by 2026, which requires careful attention to local needs and sustainable practices.

In this blog, Thomas Aston discusses two methods for understanding behavior change: Outcome Mapping and the Actor-based Change (ABC) framework. Both methods focus on individual actors and their relationships, emphasizing that we can only influence their behavior rather than change the world. They encourage realistic expectations about what can be changed, highlighting the importance of incremental progress. Aston suggests that building and nurturing relationships is crucial for meaningful change. He also introduces the COM-B framework, which considers capability, opportunity, and motivation as essential for behavior change.

The System Innovation Initiative discusses the importance of adapting to change in complex systems. Christopher Columbus sought a new route but missed discovering new lands, while Amerigo Vespucci created new maps. Effective system change requires collaboration and open conversations among diverse players. Evaluators should not only assess past impacts but also help guide ongoing learning and adaptation. Shifting the context of how we evaluate and measure success is essential for meaningful change.

The CCCRU, or Canadian Cybernetic Culture Research Unit, is a new creative scene in Toronto focused on political and cultural commentary. It brings together diverse individuals who collaborate on art rather than engage in traditional political battles. The group emphasizes the importance of culture and creativity in shaping society, moving beyond mere ideology. Jreg, a prominent figure within the CCCRU, uses humor and satire to explore complex political ideas. Overall, the CCCRU represents a shift towards collaborative scenemaking that fosters new cultural expressions.

Theories of change (TOCs) are essential for guiding aid activities effectively. The Actor-Based Change (ABC) Framework helps address the complexities of development by focusing on the people involved. This framework includes three components: mapping the system of actors, understanding their behaviors, and designing interventions to create change. By understanding relationships and motivations, aid programs can be more responsive and sustainable. Overall, the ABC Framework aims to enhance the effectiveness of development efforts.

On July 12, 2024, 120 practitioners met in Birmingham to discuss putting relationships at the forefront of their work. They explored the difference between assumed and real rules that hinder relational practices. The gathering highlighted the importance of human connection over impersonal systems. Attendees shared ideas and decided to build an Academy for relational leadership. They emphasized that everyone is not alone in this effort and that collaboration is key to meaningful change.

Edgar Morin emphasizes the need for a more complex understanding of systems and their interactions. He argues that traditional systems theory oversimplifies relationships by focusing only on the whole or the parts. Morin believes that systems are shaped by their interactions and that organization creates both order and disorder. His approach connects various perspectives and recognizes the interdependence of the observer and the observed. Ultimately, Morin seeks to understand the complexity of life without reducing it to simplistic models.

Thomas Aston discusses the evolution of evaluation theory trees, highlighting efforts to update Marvin C. Alkin and Tina Christie’s work. Recent research shows a strong preference for utilization-focused evaluation among practitioners. The inclusion of Culturally Responsive Evaluation and Indigenous Evaluation reflects changing values in the field. Evaluation is seen as a value-based process influenced by differing perspectives and positionality. Methodological practices are also shaped by these values and reasoning, leading to diverse approaches in evaluation.

This article discusses the importance of understanding system financing needs for effective systemic investing. It highlights how investors often rely on familiar solutions instead of addressing specific financial needs for transformation. The author emphasizes the need to analyze financial aspects at different times: present, future, and during transitions. Understanding these needs can help shift focus from capital-centric to system-centric investing. Finally, the article raises key questions about how to conceptualize and quantify these financing needs amid uncertainty.

Susan Campbell’s mission is to help people become “evolutionary agents” who recognize and confront the challenges facing humanity. She emphasizes the importance of seeking feedback and learning from our mistakes to improve ourselves and our society. Campbell encourages individuals to express unique perspectives, even in the face of conformity pressure. She believes that openly sharing views can enhance understanding and problem-solving skills among people. Ultimately, she advocates for a more authentic way of communicating and connecting with others to foster personal and collective growth.

In 2022, the author explored various systems change frameworks, focusing on their definitions rather than methods for implementing change. There has been a surge in new frameworks, often illustrated with nature-based graphics to represent systems. Each framework reflects the creator’s understanding of systems change at the time it was made. The author notes similarities and differences among these frameworks and plans to update their analysis in the future. Readers are encouraged to share additional frameworks that describe systems and systems change.

Any strategy for economic development is grounded in a theory of change, which requires an accurate understanding of the complex political economy. Traditional approaches often oversimplify this complexity, focusing on narrow questions or methodological purity, which policymakers find unhelpful. Yuen Yuen Ang proposes a new paradigm called “adaptive political economy,” which views institutions and economies as adaptive and interdependent parts of a political economy. This approach emphasizes the coevolution of economic and institutional changes, seeing them as mutually reinforcing. Ang’s work, including her books on China’s economic transformation, demonstrates the utility of this perspective by showing how local adaptations can drive development. This paradigm shift encourages a more nuanced understanding of political economy, acknowledging its complexity and adaptiveness.

Yuen Yuen Ang underscores a fundamental error in political economy: experts routinely treat living, complex, adaptive social systems as machine-like objects. She introduces an alternative paradigm – Adaptive Political Economy – that takes the adaptive nature of political economies as the starting point. Applying this paradigm to classic questions in development, she shows with examples from her work, can generate new conclusions and motivate new empirical agendas. Jean Boulton’s comments at 41 minutes and 25 seconds are also very much worth a listen.

Inner Ripple is a new initiative that focuses on inner-led change for personal and collective transformation. It highlights the connection between our inner experiences and the outer world, emphasizing that true change starts from within. The goal is to create regenerative cultures in organizations and society by expanding consciousness and healing disconnection. Inner Ripple encourages practices like mindfulness and emotional intelligence to navigate complex challenges. Join this journey to explore and co-create a better future together.

Three types of thinkers discuss the future of learning: a linear thinker, a design thinker, and a systems thinker. The linear thinker focuses on updating last year’s curriculum with new content and technology. The design thinker creates a flexible curriculum based on student feedback and emphasizes team-based learning. The systems thinker envisions a school where everyone works towards a shared vision, learning from a broad network. Each thinker has a unique approach, but they all agree that balancing these perspectives is key to addressing complex learning challenges.

Brad Krueger and Meghan Adams shared insights on using AI in evaluation during a session with the NLP Community of Practice. They discussed how AI can assist in various phases of evaluation, from design to implementation and analysis. The authors suggested starting with major AI tools and adopting a practical approach to using them. They emphasized the importance of learning, experimenting, and maintaining data privacy. Overall, they encouraged evaluators to embrace AI to enhance their work and efficiency.

Portfolio GPT is an AI tool created to help UNDP Country Offices with portfolio design and implementation. It was developed on UNDP’s own Azure cloud to ensure data privacy and customizability. The tool uses advanced technology to provide better analysis and reasoning capabilities. It is currently in the prototype phase, with plans for further testing and user feedback. The team aims to refine and expand Portfolio GPT as they learn more about its applications.

The UNDP held its first portfolio bootcamp to address complex challenges like climate change and urban development. Over 75 participants learned about applying a portfolio approach to development through hands-on exercises and case studies. The bootcamp emphasized the importance of recognizing discomfort in learning and building a supportive community. Trainers balanced simplifying concepts while maintaining their complexity to aid understanding. Moving forward, UNDP aims to offer online courses to make portfolio learning more accessible.

The UNDP team has created a new online course on portfolio design and management. This four-week course combines self-paced learning with live sessions for UNDP colleagues. The course aims to introduce systems thinking and the portfolio approach to tackle complex challenges. A pilot edition was conducted with 23 participants, providing valuable feedback for future improvements. The team plans to refine the course based on insights from the inaugural cohort.

Award-winning author of The Web of Meaning and founder of the Deep Transformation Network, Jeremy Lent, relates how his discovery of systems thinking opened the door to a whole new way of making sense of the world and illumined his in depth exploration of what creates meaning. In looking into what forms concepts like God, soul, humanity, nature, and science, Jeremy came to understand the thinking that has led to the existential crisis we face now, then began to explore what it would take to break out of the worldview that has caused so much destruction on so many levels. Jeremy integrates systems thinking with concepts from evolutionary biology, neuroscience, ecology, and traditional and indigenous wisdom, forming a holistic view of science, where “maybe the distinction between science and spirituality isn’t really valid.”

Jeremy’s heartfelt intention is to act as translator—to make it enjoyable for people to explore difficult concepts like consciousness and evolutionary biology they might otherwise steer away from—as well as be a catalyst for large-scale transformation. His vision of a potential future “ecological civilization” builds on the evolutionary success of life itself—ecosystems living in mutual symbiosis—and includes the idea of “islands of coherence” which would provide a bridge from a disintegrating society to a new and flourishing one. Systems thinking, like indigenous wisdom, recognizes the deep connectedness of all things, a realization, Jeremy points out, that leads to the knowing that nothing is inevitable and the choices we make matter. Jeremy leaves us with a sense of agency and of liberation, as well as a sense of responsibility to work together in the shaping of a life-affirming, sustainable future. Recorded June 20, 2024.

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Award-winning author of The Web of Meaning and founder of the Deep Transformation Network, Jeremy Lent, relates how his discovery of systems thinking opened the door to a whole new way of making sense of the world and illumined his in depth exploration of what creates meaning. In looking into what forms concepts like God, soul, humanity, nature, and science, Jeremy came to understand the thinking that has led to the existential crisis we face now, then began to explore what it would take to break out of the worldview that has caused so much destruction on so many levels. Jeremy integrates systems thinking with concepts from evolutionary biology, neuroscience, ecology, and traditional and indigenous wisdom, forming a holistic view of science, where “maybe the distinction between science and spirituality isn’t really valid.”

Jeremy’s heartfelt intention is to act as translator—to make it enjoyable for people to explore difficult concepts like consciousness and evolutionary biology they might otherwise steer away from—as well as be a catalyst for large-scale transformation. His vision of a potential future “ecological civilization” builds on the evolutionary success of life itself—ecosystems living in mutual symbiosis—and includes the idea of “islands of coherence” which would provide a bridge from a disintegrating society to a new and flourishing one. Systems thinking, like indigenous wisdom, recognizes the deep connectedness of all things, a realization, Jeremy points out, that leads to the knowing that nothing is inevitable and the choices we make matter. Jeremy leaves us with a sense of agency and of liberation, as well as a sense of responsibility to work together in the shaping of a life-affirming, sustainable future. Recorded June 20, 2024.

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The video by Marc Koenig teaches how to use the Tana Notes app for beginners. It explains how to create and manage nodes easily using keyboard shortcuts and mouse clicks. View options like zooming in on nodes and editing details are also covered. Users can add super tags for better organization and search functionality. Overall, the course provides helpful tips for navigating and utilizing Tana effectively.

Many of societies’ most pressing social policy problems are wicked problems. While complex adaptive systems theory has been recognised as an appropriate way to address this type of problem, complexity-accepting strategies are difficult for public administrations because they are at odds with their current dominant logic. This paper describes the development and implementation of a diagnostic tool for tackling wicked problems that is underpinned by complex systems leadership theories and takes into account the current needs of government.

Reflections on the importance of ensuring that efforts to address corruption are informed by analysis of the actors, actions, interactions and causal dynamics which drive the emergence of patterns in complex social systems. Shared with the aim of nurturing conversations, collaborations and cross-fertilization amongst various initiatives that are experimenting with different approaches to understanding and addressing the complex and power-laden systems dynamics that shape corruption and hinder the implementation of public policies.

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The UNDP, in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is working on improving Monitoring, Learning, and Evaluation (MLE) practices for development initiatives. They are learning through research, community interactions, and pilot projects. Feedback from a recent workshop highlighted the need for practical entry points and a better understanding of the challenges in applying MLE. The team is testing new guidance with practitioners and adjusting it based on their insights. Future plans include refining this guidance and creating sector-specific resources while engaging with more practitioners.

Evan Chapman shares a guide on Tana’s new AI chat feature. This tool helps users streamline their workflow by integrating AI into note-taking. It allows for easy queries and interactions without switching between apps. Tana’s AI chat is included in their $14 monthly plan, which offers additional features. Overall, using AI in Tana can enhance productivity and efficiency.

Evaluating system change requires a new mindset that moves beyond traditional methods. Conventional evaluation approaches often fail to capture the complexities of systemic change. A more effective evaluation should combine both quantitative and qualitative data. It must also involve diverse stakeholders and focus on learning rather than just accountability. Continuous reflection and adaptation are key to understanding and improving systems.

Susan Campbell focuses on conflict resolution between polarized groups. She helps participants express their feelings and understand one another better. This process encourages vulnerability and shifts the focus from blame to collaboration. Universal principles emerge when differences are openly explored in a safe space. The goal is to foster empathy and understanding across diverse perspectives.

Power to the people presents a radical manifesto for change designed to inspire citizen action around the world. The book presents a blueprint for how we, as individuals, can make a difference through greater community engagement, and how we can deliver a society that works for the many and not the few. The book speaks to voter apathy and a growing sense that elections no longer matter, with politicians and institutions too focused on short-term issues to grapple with complex global problems such as climate change, rising inequality, and digital disruption.

Dave Snowden discusses the “forest cycle,” which describes the progression from chaos to stability and back to chaos in ecological systems. He critiques the idea that collapse is necessary for new growth, arguing that this perspective is dangerous and overly simplistic. Snowden believes there are better approaches, like using the Cynefin framework to create stability without total destruction. He warns that relying on chaos can lead to negative outcomes, including tyranny. Ultimately, he advocates for a more controlled and resilient approach to avoid catastrophic failure.

Evaluation has a long history of using experimental and quasi-experimental designs to measure the effects of programs and strategies, and through this, to infer causality. Yet, these approaches are often not appropriate when evaluating change in complex, dynamic systems. Further, programs and strategies that seek to produce change in complex settings are increasingly common. This leads to an evaluation dilemma: if and how do evaluators attend to causality amid complexity? Too often, the answer has been to use causal thinking in the design of the evaluation and interpretation of findings, but not incorporate causal analysis and inference. In practice, this allows for assumptions about how change happens to go unchallenged. In this chapter, we explore the use of causal analysis through methods designed to attend to complexity and context, strengthened by participatory implementation, that can be implemented with rigor.

The Griffith Centre for Systems Innovation (GCSI) studies how governance can enhance collective action within complex organizations. They focus on intermediary organizations that unite diverse groups to achieve shared goals. GCSI suggests that effective governance acts as both the “glue” and the “compass” for these initiatives. Their research includes developing a typology to understand different types of intermediaries that support systemic change. Ultimately, they emphasize that intentional governance structures are crucial for driving transformational agendas.

One key question driving innovations in corruption studies is how anticorruption reforms can be more impactful and sustainable. This is critical to understand due to the detrimental impact of corrupt practices on equality, human rights, peace, and the rule of law. A significant body of research has shown that many anticorruption initiatives do not produce the expected effect, or they achieve results that fade after the intervention ceases. Seeking to understand how to improve anticorruption outcomes, scholars have turned to causal explanations of the persistence of corruption ranging from institutional settings and individual motives to informal practices and social norms. This article explores the intersection of social norms and corruption as a contribution to improving anticorruption programming. It explains how norms impact our conceptual understanding of corruption and the vicious cycle that exists between corrupt practices and norms. Grounded in the belief that programming and social norm diagnosis need to be contextually driven, we lay out the nascent research on changing social norms that drive corruption and the consequences of ignoring them.

The Ecological Organisations Framework is about reimagining organizations as interconnected ecosystems responsible for planetary and social well-being. It emphasizes deep listening to all voices, shifting from profit to alignment-based goals, and viewing organizations as living systems to steward. The framework encourages diversity and continuous evolution, aiming to be a foundational layer for new ways of organizational thinking. It is shared under a Creative Commons license, allowing for adaptation and sharing for noncommercial purposes. To learn more and download the framework, visit the author’s website.

The author reflects on a long discussion with Jean Boulton about complexity. They recall their connections with various thinkers in the UK and US Complexity Groups. The author critiques Boulton’s book but acknowledges its valuable chapters. They emphasize the importance of understanding abstraction and agency in human evolution. The author suggests a shift in perspective from Enlightenment thinking to a Renaissance approach.

The book describes what it means to say the world is complex and explores what that means for managers, policy makers and individuals. It aims to bring alive what complexity is all about and to illustrate the importance of loosening the grip of a modernist worldview with its hope for prediction, certainty and control.

The first part of the book is about the theory and ideas of complexity. This is explained in a way that is thorough but not mathematical. It compares differing approaches, and also provides a historical perspective, showing how such thinking has been around since the beginning of civilisation. It emphasises the difference between a complexity worldview and the dominant mechanical worldview that underpins much of current management practice. It defines the complexity worldview as recognising the world is interconnected, shaped by history and the particularities of context.

The second part of the book uses this lens of complexity to explore issues in the fields of management, strategy, economics, and international development. It also explores how to facilitate others to recognise the implications of adopting a complex rather than a mechanical worldview and suggests methods of research to explore systemic, path-dependent emergent aspects of situations.

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This edited collection includes a wealth of rich and reflective chapters around five main themes. These include: the use of theories of change in broader public policy contexts; using theories of change to establish causality; developing theories of change reflective of multiple stakeholder perspectives; using theories of change to understand wider societal change processes; and applying theories of change approaches for multiple purposes.

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The text discusses the concept of Yin & Yang and the importance of balancing seemingly opposing tendencies for positive outcomes. It emphasizes the benefits of embracing diversity and unity, abundance and scarcity, and structure and flow in decision-making and problem-solving. By utilizing the Yin & Yang inverse thinking framework, individuals can leverage contrasting ideas to achieve harmony and creativity in their endeavors.

The text discusses how complex social systems can be understood through an interaction loop model. The author emphasizes the importance of maintaining and rebuilding these loops to strengthen communities and individuals. By applying systems thinking and assessing interaction loop integrity, we can design more resilient and responsive social systems.

One of the key features of today’s global economy is an ‘offshore world’ of financial structures, institutions and techniques designed to provide secrecy, asset protection and tax exemption. While its worldwide impact is very significant, Africa is affected to an unusual extent by the strategies of tax avoidance/evasion, outward financial flows (both legal and illegal) and corruption enabled by the offshore world. This is corroborated by a number of quantitative studies of capital flight as well as by influential investigations such as the Pandora Papers, Panama Papers and Luanda Leaks. The offshore world’s limited presence in the study of contemporary African politics, political economy and international relations is therefore striking. The purpose of this exploratory paper is to highlight this gap, provide a preliminary analysis, and suggest that the politics of African insertion in the global offshore economy merits more attention from scholars of African politics.

Strategic philanthropy is still relevant despite recent criticism. Some argue for a shift to “empowerment philanthropy” focused on giving agency to solve societal problems. However, examples show how strategic philanthropy has successfully addressed critical issues like global health and poverty. It is important to recognize the complementary role philanthropy plays alongside government efforts. Successful philanthropy involves building relationships, gathering feedback, learning from failures, and aligning goals with grantees.

Emergence is about collective behaviors in complex systems not seen in individual parts. Examples include birds flocking and the Big Bang. Scientists are focusing on emergence as a unifying theme for science. Understanding emergent behavior requires studying collective properties of a system. Recent progress in studying emergence is improving our understanding of complex systems.

Curiosity is essential for human sense-making when anomalies are present in patterns. Encouraging people to notice anomalies triggers curiosity and fosters different perspectives. Serendipity and exploring without purpose can lead to unexpected discoveries. Reading broadly can spark innovation and fresh thinking. Embracing diversity in backgrounds is crucial for fostering innovation in organizations.

To build regenerative communities, we should learn from how life thrives in nature. Soil health, cultural beliefs, and social systems are interconnected. Remedying embedded inequities in soil, society, and self is crucial for transformative change. Soil keeping teaches cooperation, trust, and nurturing radical imagination. Cultivating fertile conditions can democratize power and wealth, fostering emergence and transformative change.

The text discusses the importance of recognizing and creating patterns in landscapes and social structures for understanding and navigating our environment effectively. It emphasizes the value of pattern-based visualizations over lists of numbers for enhancing human understanding and sense-making. The author highlights the significance of engaging in both identifying existing patterns and actively creating new patterns to improve decision-making and insight.

The text explores the concept of circularity in natural systems and cognition. It discusses how closure in processes leads to emergent properties and paradoxes. The author presents examples from biology, formal systems, and cognitive perspectives to illustrate these ideas. The text emphasizes the interconnectedness of subject and object in shaping our understanding of reality. It suggests that reality is complex, interconnected, and constantly evolving, challenging traditional notions of objectivity and understanding.

A recent review paper suggests changing the environment to make desirable behaviors easier. The paper recommends focusing on environmental interventions rather than targeting individual beliefs or knowledge. This approach aims to promote effective behavior change by altering the context in which people operate.

Laos’s wetlands face threats from climate change and unsustainable development, affecting local communities that rely on them. The Asia Foundation has supported communities in setting up participatory wetland management, leading to improvements in water levels and fish stocks. Understanding and working with informal institutions has been key to the success of wetland management in Laos.

Practitioners are exploring new M&E methods to navigate complexity. Themes include decolonizing knowledge, shifting power, and building trusting relationships. Speakers emphasized valuing diverse perspectives, empowering communities, and practicing reflective evaluation.

The text discusses exploring connections between ideas related to transforming economies and societies through collaboration between two organizations. It emphasizes the importance of connecting visionary and implementable ideas to drive transformation and highlights the need for clear communication and understanding when collaborating on ideas. The authors plan to publish ‘Joining the Dots’ publications to explore similarities and differences between ideas for moving forward with transformative practices.

Jazz can offer insights into leadership by balancing structure and freedom. Different leadership styles in music, such as the orchestra conductor or big-band leader, can provide valuable lessons. In jazz, everyone has a role to support the group, whether soloing or playing a supporting role.

We are currently witnessing how philanthropy is embodying a powerful shift from being at the center of social change efforts to acting as a facilitator, connector, and learner in a larger ecosystem of actors working to create lasting, systems-level change. Drawing on themes surfaced in the recently published Stanford Social Innovation Review article, “Where Strategic Philanthropy Went Wrong,” co-authored by Mark Kramer and Steve Phillips, the speakers reflected on the learnings and changes within the field and invite attendees to examine their own potential as agents of change.

The key to good and efficient writing lies in the intelligent organisation of ideas and notes. This book helps students, academics and other knowledge workers to get more done, write intelligent texts and learn for the long run. It teaches you how to take smart notes and ensure they bring you and your projects forward.The Take Smart Notes principle is based on established psychological insight and draws from a tried and tested note-taking technique: the Zettelkasten. This is the first comprehensive guide and description of this system in English, and not only does it explain how it works, but also why. It suits students and academics in the social sciences and humanities, nonfiction writers and others who are in the business of reading, thinking and writing.Instead of wasting your time searching for your notes, quotes or references, you can focus on what really counts: thinking, understanding and developing new ideas in writing.

This article suggests that there are (at least) two predominant mental models about how systems change (theories of change), which have implications for how philanthropies (and others) might contribute to systems change (theories of action). One is a “systems dynamics” model, which holds on to the idea of finding leverage points to shift the dynamics of complicated systems.The other is a “systems emergence” model which more fully acknowledges the complex nature of many social challenges. The authors make the case that: Approaches to supporting systems change ought to be aligned with understandings of how change happens (while also testing and adapting those understandings over time); and, that by making our mental models about how systems change happens explicit, we can support more constructive conversations and collaborative learning about approaches to supporting systems change, and their effectiveness.

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The text discusses the quality of evaluations on anti-corruption interventions, focusing on the need for clear aims and evaluability of programs. The evaluations often struggle to assess external outcomes and lack rigorous methods for impact evaluation. Recommendations are made to improve the overall quality of evaluation research in this area.

The text discusses the importance of policy research closely tied to implementation in African states to improve economic transformation. Emphasizing local context and expertise over external influences can lead to more effective policymaking in low-income countries. Investing in domestic policy research within government, think tanks, and universities is crucial for sustainable economic development in Africa.

The Centre for Public Impact (CPI) uses a principles-focused approach to understand and measure impact in complex systems. They prioritize principles over rigid metrics to allow for flexibility and adaptability in evaluating governance initiatives. By promoting systems change through principles of better governance, CPI aims to drive sustainable impact and continuous learning.

Community-based learning ecosystems lie at the very heart of our understanding of the world, of its being and of its transformation. Being immersed in community-based learning ecosystems is a shared experience for all of us. By trusting this as an invitation to a process of inquiry, learning, and understanding, we begin to live out our human potential and realise our humanity. We will witness how a humanising society grows from metamorphic niches in learning communities. And it will change our understanding of learning and understanding, of development and transformation, and the roles of those who want to change the world.

The article discusses the concept of relational infrastructure, highlighting its importance in fostering collaboration and driving change within communities and organizations. It draws parallels between relational infrastructure and the interconnectedness found in natural ecosystems, emphasizing the need to invest resources in nurturing and leveraging these social connections effectively. The author, Sam Rye, advocates for understanding and prioritizing relational infrastructure to enhance collective action initiatives and create sustainable social, economic, and environmental outcomes.

Sensemaking is the process of turning information into shared understanding. It can happen at both individual and collective levels. Different organizations use sensemaking to extract insights and create meaning from data.

Sense-making is about understanding the world to make decisions. It involves creating awareness and making sense in complex situations. Different perspectives from academics like Karl Weick and Brenda Dervin contribute to this field.

The document discusses the concept of aphanipoiesis, which refers to the unseen coalescence of multiple factors that brings about vitality, healing, and creativity. The author explains that these unseen processes are essential for change and evolution, but they are often overlooked or misunderstood. The concept of aphanipoiesis is relevant to our current emergencies and challenges, as it requires a shift in deep presuppositions and ways of perceiving one another and the world. The Warm Data processes are presented as a means to explore and facilitate this shift. The author emphasizes the need to recognize and challenge the historical influences and limitations of reductionism and control in the study of life and society.

Impact measurement is a common practice, but change may not always follow. Historical threads have shaped modern impact measurement, emphasizing the need for critical reflection. Understanding the complexity and uncertainty of impact measurement is crucial for addressing challenges effectively.

Recent discoveries in narrative sensemaking explore models like Cynefin and emphasize the interplay between directed structure and self-organization. The “confluence” model merges these concepts to enable a deeper understanding of social life and the unity of diverse perspectives. Building a sensemaking framework involves mapping narratives onto resonant meaning spaces to facilitate emergent patterns and insights.

This report explores the concept of collective settings as a way to strengthen American democracy through shared governance and accountability. By investing in these settings, the aim is to create a more inclusive and dynamic civic infrastructure for everyday democracy. Researchers and leaders are encouraged to support the rebuilding and repair of collective settings to foster collaboration across diverse groups in solving public issues.

The text discusses how philanthropies, like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, can better support economic development in low-income countries by focusing on boosting private sector growth and improving public goods provision. It emphasizes the importance of investing in medium to large businesses, especially those owned by women, to create sustainable job opportunities and drive economic growth. The text suggests that philanthropies should take unorthodox approaches and be willing to take smart risks to make a significant impact in low-income countries’ development.

Monitoring, evaluating, and learning (MEL) professionals face challenges in assessing the long-term sustainability and system change of complex interventions. Traditional evaluative methods and tools often do not account for the future potential for sustainability or the various forms it can take. To address this, the authors developed a relational rubric that focuses on relationships and sequences to assess complex causality and identify signals of prospective sustainability. The rubric is grounded in systems thinking, co-production, and social learning theory. By applying the rubric, the authors were able to better understand and communicate results about the scale-up and sustainability of interventions. They call for more consensus on the conceptual framework for sustainability and the development of relevant evaluation tools that consider limited budgets and timelines. The authors…

The text discusses knowledge management at a summit in Dublin, emphasizing the importance of sharing tacit knowledge through human interactions. It highlights the role of AI in decision-making and the need for a cohesive strategy integrating capacity development, learning, and KM for organizational effectiveness. The author reflects on the challenges of managing knowledge and the value of combining explicit documentation with rich, tacit interactions.

In this paper, we challenge the universality of three basic assumptions prevalent in organizational decision support and strategy: assumptions of order, of rational choice, and of intent. We describe the Cynefin framework, a sense-making device we have developed to help people make sense of the complexities made visible by the relaxation of these assumptions. The Cynefin framework is derived from several years of action research into the use of narrative and complexity theory in organizational knowledge exchange, decision-making, strategy, and policy-making. The framework is explained, its conceptual underpinnings are outlined, and its use in group sense-making and discourse is described. Finally, the consequences of relaxing the three basic assumptions, using the Cynefin framework as a mechanism, are considered.

The text discusses the need for evaluations to adapt to complex social issues by taking an emergent approach and considering the interconnected components of systems. Evaluators should focus on understanding the whole system, identifying points of energy, and tracking non-linear relationships between initiatives and outcomes. Embracing complexity in evaluation can lead to more authentic and effective strategies for societal change.

Empowerment philanthropy is proposed as a new approach to help people find their own solutions for societal challenges. Strategic philanthropy has been ineffective in creating lasting solutions over the past decades. Government plays a crucial role in addressing social and environmental problems on a national scale, highlighting the limitations of philanthropy.

The UNDP is using a portfolio approach to manage interventions for system transformation. They focus on measuring progress and value across multiple interventions to achieve positive change. Frameworks and theories help guide the measurement process for complex system change portfolios.

Metaphors can help us see complex issues in new ways, like reframing arguments as dances instead of battles. Transitioning from project-based work to system-driven approaches is like moving from building houses to designing livable cities, where interactions and unpredictability shape outcomes. Collaboration and new perspectives are needed to improve quality of life in cities.

The two loops model of change emphasizes looking within the existing system for clues on future patterns and behaviors. Affordances, as highlighted by J.J. Gibson, are crucial relationships between the environment and actions. Recognizing and utilizing affordances can help shape new directions and behaviors in complex systems.

Social Finance, in partnership with the System Innovation Initiative, spent 12 months between 2022 and 2023 exploring how evaluation works for system change. Motivated by our work in recent years to unpack and explore how system change comes about, we and many others across the social impact space are increasingly asking how to know we are making progress? To start to answer this, we spoke to 50+ system change practitioners, funders and evaluators globally to learn how people are approach the topic, what is working, what isn’t working, and what the implications might be for those funding system change, as well as those leading it.Building on this research, as well as over a decade’s practical experience working with our partners across a range of sectors on large-scale system change projects, in this webinar, we will share our insights and reflections on: Why is evaluating system change so hard?; How should evaluation adapt, and what should it not lose?; What does system change evaluation look like in practice?; and, How might we track progress?

Rooted in the study of chaos and complexity, Adaptive Action introduces a simple, common sense process that will guide you and your organization into reflective action. This elegant method prompts readers to engage with three deceptively simple questions: What? So what? Now what? The first leads to careful observation. The second invites you to thoughtfully consider options and implications. The third ignites effective action. Together, these questions and the tools that support them produce a dynamic and creative dance with uncertainty. The road-tested steps of adaptive action can be used to devise solutions and improve performance across multiple challenges, and they have proven to be scalable from individuals to work groups, from organizations to communities.

Trust-based philanthropy is highlighted as a strategic approach that can lead to enhanced resource efficiency and significant impact. It emphasizes building open and trustful relationships between funders and grantees, allowing for better understanding of organizational needs and more responsive support. This approach enables nonprofits to pivot when circumstances change, reduces the burdens of grants administration, and empowers leanly staffed funders to drive impact effectively. By valuing the expertise of leaders and fostering flexibility and trust in relationships, trust-based philanthropy proves to be a strategic and impactful model for philanthropic work.

The text discusses how strategic capacity building and trust-based philanthropy can support nonprofits in achieving long-term success by fostering collaboration and mutual accountability. It emphasizes the importance of transparent conversations, shared respect, and ongoing support between funders and grantees to maximize impact and address challenges effectively. By working together closely and offering targeted capacity-building opportunities, foundations can help nonprofits become more sustainable, cost-effective, and scalable.

The text discusses criticisms of Randomised Control Trials (RCTs) and how randomistas have adapted to address weaknesses in areas like construct validity, external validity, and ethics. Randomistas are shifting towards embedded experiments and A/B testing to improve the relevance and effectiveness of experiments, acknowledging the need for greater consideration of context and ethical concerns in research methods. Overall, the text highlights the evolving approaches in experimental impact evaluation and the need to move beyond traditional methods to address fundamental flaws in RCTs.

Funders are shifting towards an ecosystem approach in philanthropy to create lasting, systems-level change. Trust-based practices are reshaping power dynamics between funders, grantees, and the systems they aim to transform. Strategy development in complex systems must be adaptive and collaborative, involving multiple perspectives. Funders play a role in implementing strategies by supporting community-driven solutions and building relationships. Learning and evaluation in trust-based philanthropy focus on continuous learning and shaping strategy for equitable systems change.

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The text discusses how the author uses Readwise and Tana for personal knowledge management (PKM). They explain how they organize highlights, utilize super tags, and match topics to their highlights for efficient retrieval and organization. The author demonstrates how they integrate these tools into their workflow for effective information management.

Monalisa Salib wants you to get cozy with the context. If your theory of change is full of assumptions and logical statements that could easily be true anywhere in the world, it’s probably not going to work. Only by understanding the context where we operate and respecting the actors and the expertise in that context will real change happen. That means knowing the specific players, actors, and dynamics where change gets done. Another tip she has for you: people matter more than process, and technical solutions will never be enough.

From consciousness to free will, and even life itself, it has become commonplace for philosophers and neuroscientists to explain some of the most puzzling phenomena in the universe as ‘emergent’. Some even make the claim that nothing in science makes sense without emergence, the idea that the characteristics and behaviour of the whole is different from, and in addition to, its parts. But critics argue there is a danger emergence gives the impression of understanding when in reality it explains nothing.

Can we explain emergence and account for an overall property occurs when it is not present in the elemental parts? Might a new science of emergence enable breakthroughs in our understanding of life, consciousness and physical properties like superconductivity? Or is emergence a rhetorical device used to give the misleading impression that materialism is capable of explaining the deepest mysteries?

Starting from the premise, advanced by the International Federation for Systems Research (IFSR) and the European School of Governance (EUSG), that at the core of our current polycrisis lies a crisis in governance, this dialogue seeks to explore the intricate relationship between governance systems and the multifaceted crises we face today.

Understanding local weather conditions can be complex due to microclimates. Weather forecasts provide guidance, not definite answers. Situational awareness and active participation are necessary when interpreting weather forecasts.

Data alone is not enough for evaluation challenges, as seen through the lens of weather forecasting. Weather data can be collected and analyzed, but it’s just one part of the complex systems we face, requiring situational awareness and critical thinking for useful insights. Evaluative practice emphasizes thoughtful analysis and transparency over relying solely on data for definitive answers.

This blog discusses three “Localization Smart Rules” to shift power to local actors in development work: scoping for localization, co-creating with local actors, and maintaining local system awareness. The rules aim to guide organizations in promoting locally-led development and fostering collaboration with local partners. Applying these rules can lead to more effective and impactful international development initiatives.

The CALI methodology supports adaptive management by analyzing interventions to reduce deforestation in complex settings, like the Peruvian Amazon. It involves systems mapping and participatory discussions to assess impact and drive positive change. CALI can be applied to various development projects, emphasizing adaptability and collaboration among stakeholders.

The organization is relinquishing control of its assets to support social justice work. They aim to dissolve separations and promote interconnectedness in addressing complex social problems. The shift challenges the traditional charity model based on separation and control.

Randomised Control Trials (RCTs) are often considered the gold standard in research, but they have significant limitations that affect their validity and explanatory power. RCTs overlook contextual factors, human agency, and ethical considerations, making them less suitable for understanding complex real-world phenomena. Critics argue that RCTs are overused and may not be as effective or ethical as commonly believed.

The conventional paradigm in political economy routinely treats living, complex, adaptive social systems as machine-like objects. This has driven political economists to over-simplify big, complex social processes using mechanical models, or to ignore them altogether. In development, this has led to theoretical dead ends, trivial agendas, or failed public policies. I propose an alternative paradigm: adaptive political economy. It recognizes that social systems are complex, not complicated; complexity can be ordered, not messy; and social scientists should be developing the concepts, methods, and theories to illuminate the order of complexity, rather than over-simplifying it.

Foundations should move from predicting outcomes to adapting strategies for complex social problems. Strategic philanthropy may not always fit the realities of social change in a complex world. Emergent strategy allows for continually evolving solutions tailored to specific circumstances. To address complex issues effectively, philanthropy needs to shift from a predictive to an emergent model. This shift involves co-creating strategies and improving the overall fitness of the system.

The article explores the adoption of system and portfolio approaches in the development sector, focusing on organizational motivations, challenges, and collaborative experiments. The study reveals diverse interpretations and motivations for experimenting with these novel approaches, highlighting the need for organizational and sector-wide changes to achieve transformative impact. Actors in the development sector are engaging in collaborative experiments centered around systemic investments, thematic portfolios, and monitoring for system change.

The Stepping Into Systems Series introduces fundamental topics about systems change, exploring concepts like systemic worldviews and working systemically for transformation. The series features interviews with diverse practitioners from around the globe to provide a multiplicity of perspectives on systems practice. Viewers are encouraged to watch the films, reflect on their learning, and engage with the resources shared by the School of System Change.

The article explores the adoption of system and portfolio approaches in the development sector, focusing on organizational motivations, challenges, and collaborative experiments. The study reveals diverse interpretations and motivations for experimenting with these novel approaches, highlighting the need for organizational and sector-wide changes to achieve transformative impact. Actors in the development sector are engaging in collaborative experiments centered around systemic investments, thematic portfolios, and monitoring for system change.

Emergence refers to the arising of unpredictable, nondeductible, and irreducible coherent structures, patterns, and properties in complex systems. Emergent phenomena are understood as collectivities or integrations occurring on a macro-level emerging out of less integrated substrates on a micro-level. The construct of emergence is turned to when the dynamics of a system can be better understood by focusing on across-system organization rather than by decomposition into parts. As the sciences of complex systems have rapidly expanded over the past three decades, the study of emergence has come forward as one of the most vital areas of research and theorizing, a dramatic shift from hovering on the edge of credibility as it was in the past to being embraced currently across a wide range of sciences and related fields of study.

The text discusses the importance of systemic practices for achieving a socio-ecological transition towards sustainability. It explains various system practices like System Thinking, System Innovation, and System Leadership, highlighting their interconnected nature in driving transformative change. These practices form a cohesive framework, like different colored threads weaving a vibrant tapestry, to guide societies towards a regenerative and resilient future.

The text discusses how certain words used in social change work can either limit or expand possibilities for creating positive impact. It encourages thoughtful reflection on the language we use and how it shapes our understanding of social change efforts. The authors suggest evolving our language to focus more on relational aspects and interconnectedness to catalyze meaningful social transformation.

While systems change intentions and approaches are on the rise, much mystique still surrounds the actual practices that drive durable shifts in systemic patterns, structures, and mindsets. This session will introduce a framework that is being used across a region of northwest lower Michigan (US) that breaks down systems change into four core strategies and corresponding indicators of change. It will offer micro and macro examples of how storytelling has been a critical tool to clarify and chronicle systems change in action, create a common language, and inspire deeper learning and action. Opportunities and tools to practice applying frameworks and storytelling will be shared.

What does it mean to lead in an emergent way? How do we support ourselves and our collaboratives to be open to new and transformational ways of working?

Recognizing patterns and constraints is essential for understanding complex systems and creating stability. Constraints like connections, exchanges, attractors, boundaries, and identity shape how systems organize and evolve. Managing these constraints can help stabilize beneficial patterns or disrupt ineffective ones in both work and life.

Corruption analysis involves understanding driving factors and actors involved. Systems mapping and stakeholder analysis are key tools in this process. Effective anti-corruption programming requires a thorough diagnosis of corruption dynamics.

The text discusses the importance of prioritizing relationship-centered practices in various sectors and communities. It emphasizes the transformative impact of putting relationships first and highlights real-life examples of individuals and organizations making a difference through relational work. The text also encourages readers to reflect on the role of relationships in addressing social issues and improving systems.

Portfolio Sensemaking is a process that helps individuals and organizations make strategic decisions by reflecting on past experiences and insights. It involves participative learning, strategic conversations, and extracting actionable intelligence. By leveraging diverse perspectives and experiences, Portfolio Sensemaking aims to generate new knowledge and guide decision-making at both individual and organizational levels.

The final post in the series discusses the 3As Framework, focusing on Agency, Affordance, and Assemblage for understanding complexity and guiding interventions. These concepts help map out possibilities, attitudes, and actions needed for change, offering a practical tool for navigating complex systems effectively. The post also teases future developments in decision-making processes and emphasizes the importance of understanding and utilizing these frameworks in designing interventions.

Complex systems involve interactions between multiple elements, leading to emergent properties. These systems are non-linear, open to their environment, and require constant energy flow for survival. Understanding these principles is crucial for effective intervention in complex systems.

Compassionate evaluation helps organizations improve by providing objective feedback and encouraging growth. It focuses on supporting and appreciating efforts while acknowledging challenges. This approach aims to generate learning and trust within organizations for better outcomes.

In Combining, Nora Bateson invites us into an ecology of communication where nothing stands alone, and every action sets off a chain of incalculable consequences. She challenges conventional fixes for our problems, highlighting the need to tackle issues at multiple levels, understand interdependence, and embrace ambiguity. Insisting on our collective responsibility to confront the looming threats to humanity‘s survival, she advocates change through interconnectedness and challenges us to rethink our perspectives on relationships, community, and the very essence of being human.

Combining is an invitation to nurture genuine connections and navigate a world brimming with “Warm Data” – the interrelationships that integrate elements of every complex system. The book calls on us to shed our linear thinking and embrace “Aphanipoiesis” – the unseen ways in which life comes together to foster vitality and propel evolution.

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This document discusses the concept of innovation portfolios and how they can help tackle global and societal challenges that require systems transformation. Innovation portfolios consist of a collection of intertwined initiatives that share a common intent in terms of creating impact and enable collaboration among stakeholders. They are useful for challenges that contain significant uncertainty and require constant interaction with relevant stakeholders. The document outlines the practices and principles of innovation portfolios and compares them to strategic portfolio management.

The text discusses how system change can bring about democratic renewal. It emphasizes the importance of transforming existing systems for positive societal outcomes. The Danish Design Center explores this concept on their website.

Innovation requires collaboration and bold ambitions to create better outcomes for people and the planet. Systems innovation involves using diverse actors and platforms to drive change towards shared goals. Challenge-led innovation focuses on learning, experimenting, and iterating to tackle complex issues. Projects and portfolios play key roles in driving innovation and learning in systemic change. Measurement and sense-making are crucial for tracking progress and adjusting strategies in complex systems.

The NPC Systems Practice Toolkit v1.1 is a comprehensive resource that introduces systems practice and provides tools, frameworks, and concepts to help individuals and organizations work effectively in complex systems. The toolkit is divided into sections: Understand, Design, Act, and Learn, each containing various tools and resources. The Understand section includes tools such as the Complexity Canvas and the Iceberg Model, which help analyze and understand complex systems. The Design section includes tools like Systems Mapping and the Three Horizons Framework, which assist in designing interventions and envisioning new systems. The toolkit aims to provide a practical introduction to systems practice and support individuals in their systems change journey.

The terrain in which the Shifting Systems Initiative (SSI) operates has itself been shifting significantly in recent years. SSI’s choices about strategic focus, niche, and positioning for the future are best made while taking into account the following: a deep understanding of the broader context and the dynamics at play in areas in which SSI intervenes, the assets it has developed that serve as the foundation for future work, and the lessons it has learned from its experiments catalyzing change to date. This report is designed to take readers through this process step by step. First, we share insights about the changing context and its implications for SSI (Section 2.1). Then we synthesize findings about how SSI is perceived and the value it has added to the field, including reflections on the effectiveness of the suite of tactics it has deployed thus far (Section 2.2). Next comes a set of recommendations for increasing SSI’s impact in the future, followed finally by five potential scenarios for SSI’s position and perspective going forward (Section 3).

The document discusses systems change, focusing on the work of the Lankelly Chase Foundation in supporting agencies dealing with severe and multiple disadvantage. It defines systems change as intentionally altering a system’s function or structure through purposeful interventions. The guide provides insights into different perspectives on systems change, such as practitioners, advocates, operational researchers, service reformers, learners, and living systems. Each perspective offers unique insights into tackling social issues and driving systemic change within organizations and society. The document aims to demystify systems change, encourage systemic action, and emphasize the importance of addressing root causes while meeting immediate needs in the social sector.

The text discusses the role of love in systems change, highlighting its transformative power and potential to create more equitable and regenerative systems. Love is seen as a fundamental element that can influence individual actions, relationships, and community dynamics within systems change work. The author encourages reflection on how love can be amplified in self-awareness, relational interactions, and community engagement to drive positive change.

The article discusses how radical collaboration is crucial for addressing complex societal challenges through systems change. It highlights the importance of letting go of traditional solutions, slowing down to gain a deeper understanding, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, even those with conflicting views. The key shifts outlined aim to enable creative action and system transformation for tackling pressing issues like climate change.

Civil society has been instrumental in driving innovation and progress in the measurement of corruption and anti-corruption efforts over the past 30 years. Three distinct waves of measurement have evolved, focusing on measuring corruption, anti-corruption, and assessing anti-corruption ecosystems. The role of civil society in pushing the boundaries of what can be measured has been crucial in advancing the fight against corruption.

The School of System Change is exploring Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) as a systemic practice to drive change. They are investigating how MEL can support systems change, address power dynamics, and enhance learning in organizations. The focus is on evolving MEL practices with a systemic lens to unlock deeper understanding and drive meaningful change.

The text discusses the limitations of traditional, mechanistic approaches in policymaking and the need for a more nuanced theory of change that considers complex systems. The author highlights the importance of focusing on systemic reform and capacity-building efforts over quick-fix interventions. Embracing an enablement approach and investing in long-term soil-tending work are presented as essential for improving government competence and effectiveness.

The text discusses the Estuarine Mapping framework and its evolution, emphasizing the importance of understanding the present situation before making decisions. It introduces concepts like Actants and ASHEN mapping to help identify manageable elements and generate actions effectively. The goal is to improve decision-making in complex systems by creating a clear map of opportunities and potential actions.

The author explores the concept of granularity in archaeology and its connection to typology, emphasizing the importance of managing complexity by going lower in granularity when in doubt. Incorporating variety and diversity into typologies helps make sense of ancient artifacts through different perspectives and promotes recombination of granular items in new ways. Holding typologies lightly is advised, as they are tools for understanding rather than definitive truths.

The text discusses how Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) can be seen as an infinite game rather than a finite process. It explores the idea of MEL evolving into systems stewards and weavers, emphasizing learning, reflection, and adaptation over proving predetermined outcomes. The document outlines experiences from the MEL in Systems Change Inquiry Group and highlights the importance of inquiry as an infinite game, with examples of self-organized inquiry sessions and the role of facilitators in guiding conversations. It also touches on the significance of collective reflection, emergent questions, and the role of MEL in designing organizational rituals. The text suggests approaches for MEL practitioners to co-create learning processes, engage in experimentation, and utilize coaching circles to navigate complex systems and foster deeper insights.

The Open Government movement has seen significant growth and involvement from diverse stakeholders over the past two decades. While progress has been made in promoting transparency and accountability, challenges remain in achieving broader impacts such as redistribution and democracy. A renewed focus on political power dynamics and problem-solving approaches is needed to drive meaningful change within the Open movement.

The document challenges the concept that outcomes can be “delivered” by organizations, programs, or projects, unraveling the flawed logic behind Payment by Results (PbR) and Social Impact Bonds (SIBs). The premise that outcomes are simply “delivered” is debunked through various examples, such as the complexity of systems like the obesity epidemic, where outcomes are emergent properties of intricate interactions. The piece also critiques the flawed assumptions of PbR and SIBs, highlighting how they fail to address real-world complexities and often lead to gaming performance data rather than genuine results. Ultimately, the document advocates for a shift towards a more evidence-informed approach called “Co-Missioning” to genuinely support the creation of real-world outcomes beyond the limitations of PbR and SIBs.

Daniel and Bill Reed discuss the depth and evolution of regenerative practice, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and reframing thinking. They aim to introduce regenerative concepts to others and foster continuous development within a supportive community. Their goal is to create a deep understanding and shift in consciousness towards regenerative principles for a sustainable future.

Maya Narayan, co-founder of Holon Perspectives, leads systems change workshops in India focusing on equipping organizations and individuals with tools for addressing complex problems. She discusses the interconnectedness of various systems globally, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to social impact. Narayan uses metaphors like the Elephant and the Blind Men, windows, and mirrors to explain systems thinking and engages social entrepreneurs in understanding systems change by adapting language to suit their contexts. She stresses the importance of scaling deep and creating ecosystems to foster transformation in various sectors, collaborating with organizations like Ashoka India to provide capacity building opportunities.

The text discusses the differences between relationships and transactions and how they relate to good relationships. It suggests that understanding when to prioritize building good relationships versus relying on transactions is crucial. In complex situations, good relationships are often necessary, while simple situations may only require a good transaction.

Kurt Lewin, a psychologist who passed away in 1947, had a significant impact on fields like organizational development, action research, and group dynamics. His work on Field Theory, which focuses on human behavior within contextual influences, was groundbreaking and anticipated modern approaches to organization and human behavior. Despite misattributions like the “Change As Three Steps” theory, Lewin’s original ideas are complex and nuanced, offering valuable insights into understanding change and stability in human systems. His principles of Field Theory, outlined by subsequent scholars, emphasize unique responses to situations, the constant change within fields, and the interconnectedness of actors and effects, challenging simplistic notions of organizational change and providing a rich foundation for those seeking to ground their practices in historical thinkers like Lewin.

The document delves into the Market System Diagnostic framework developed by ACDI/VOCA in Honduras, part of their efforts with USAID on the Transforming Market Systems Activity. This initiative aims to foster systemic change in the Honduran market system to create economic opportunities and reduce outward migration. The Market System Diagnostic methodology involves stakeholder workshops, enterprise surveys, systems-level analysis, and stakeholder discussions to understand and influence the Honduran market system. By utilizing insights from the Market System Diagnostic, local businesses have been able to adapt to market conditions effectively, leading to tangible changes and informing national strategies for economic recovery and inclusive job creation.

Thomas is joined by neuroscientist, education philosopher, and social entrepreneur Dr. Sará King, and clinical professor of psychiatry, co-director of the Mindful Awareness Research Center at UCLA, and Executive Director of the Mindsight Institute Dr. Dan Siegel. They discuss the concept of Intrapersonal Neurobiology – an interdisciplinary approach to understanding how our minds create our experiences, with an emphasis on the benefits of what Dr. Siegel refers to as “self-expanding emotions” – empathy, compassion, gratitude, and awe. They dive deep into the idea of the collective nervous system, how we can learn to experience it, and how that can help us shift from defining the self as a solo entity to understanding humanity as fundamentally interconnected. In doing this, Dr. King and Dr. Siegel posit that we can create a stronger sense of belonging, increase our sustainability, and assist in the evolution of the planet instead of its destruction

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Sará King and Dan Siegel – The neuroscience of belonging (notes)

The author recounts a story from the late ‘90s about his inability to fund a friend’s organization due to a lack of quantitative metrics. This experience led the author to understand the importance of using numbers to achieve a shared reality and maintain solid relationships between funders and social entrepreneurs. The author emphasizes that numbers are critical for evaluating delivery, behavior, and impact, and should be embraced rather than avoided. The author also argues that an emphasis on numbers is necessary for creating effective leaders who do not come from rich countries.

Examining the status of open data in 2023 reveals ongoing challenges and the need to address new obstacles to achieve a future where open data infrastructures are the norm. Despite progress in incorporating open data to support accountability and collaboration, there is still much work to be done. The World Bank and the UN Global Partnership emphasize the importance of fair and inclusive data practices. Various sectors, from transport to agriculture, highlight the value of open data in driving positive change, but concerns remain about power dynamics, funding, and ensuring broader participation and equity in data governance.

“Renewing Open Data Action” discusses the need for a revitalization of open data advocacy to address power imbalances in data usage and governance. The document emphasizes the importance of strategic advocacy and global coordination to ensure that the values of open data are not lost in the face of evolving data landscapes. It highlights the necessity of sustained investment in open data infrastructure, skills development, and public data stewardship to unlock the potential of open data for sustainable development. Additionally, the document calls for civil society, academia, startups, and enterprises to play active roles in shaping open data ecosystems and promoting data sharing for the public good.

Tana is a powerful knowledge management tool that incorporates human-grade AI to enhance its capabilities. To optimize its potential, users must adopt new mindsets, become proficient in its basics, embrace structures that fit their domains, and build personal ontologies. Customization through templates, balancing time between knowledge worker and builder modes, and focusing on sensemaking over database size are essential strategies for leveraging Tana effectively. Additionally, exploring AI integration within Tana and enjoying the process of mastering this tool are key to leveling up one’s Tana PKM game.

The trust-based philanthropy trend is gaining momentum, particularly with examples like MacKenzie Scott’s unrestricted giving. Concerns about measuring impact within this model persist, but it’s argued that trust and results aren’t mutually exclusive. Shifting power dynamics in philanthropy involves funders supporting organizations to excel in strategy and measurement without imposing their own views. Partnering with organizations like PRADAN in India exemplifies how trust, collaboration, and support lead to real impact through tailored measurement approaches and deep engagement.

The roots of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) trace back to The Oxford Group (OG) and later to Moral & Spiritual Rearmament (MRA), now known as Initiatives of Change (IofC), where the founders derived the 12 Steps from practices within the group. These steps involve admitting powerlessness over addiction, leading to a surrender that paradoxically opens up new avenues for change and empowerment. The document questions whether humanity, facing a global crisis, is stuck in a cycle of hope and self-centered solutions, proposing that real change may only come from embracing powerlessness and surrendering to a different way of thinking and acting. It challenges the notion that hope itself may be an obstacle to meaningful progress and suggests that de-centering human agency could lead to a more profound transformation.

“Awakening to the Flow of Life” explores the concepts of interbeing and inter-becoming in our interconnected world, drawing on the teachings of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh and thinker Indy Johar. Interbeing highlights our interconnectedness, likening us to the essence of a flower that embodies the entire cosmos. Inter-becoming challenges us to see ourselves as dynamic agents in continuous interaction, fostering a global society rooted in care and respect. This transformative journey invites us to shift from passive acknowledgment to active engagement in creating a more inclusive and compassionate global community.

In the realm of systemic design, a paradox exists where designers aim to shape regenerative and sustainable systems, yet the emergent nature of these systems defies direct design. Regenerative design offers a way forward by rejuvenating and restoring systems beyond sustainability, focusing on creating conditions for regenerative flows. Designers need to understand living system patterns, feedback loops, and interdependence to craft systems that self-regulate and evolve. Regenerative designers facilitate emergence by designing for possibility and cultivating the capability of systems to adapt and thrive, contributing to a future where systems are not just sustainable but truly regenerative and harmonious with nature.

The Regenerative Movement focuses on healing past exploitations and rejuvenating the planet through holistic approaches beyond sustainability. It challenges detrimental narratives and aims to shift towards complex, systems-based ways of serving a better future for all beings. The movement emphasizes regenerative practices in agriculture, economics, and beyond, seeking to transform how we interact with the planet. Relational Being, integral to the Regenerative Movement, highlights the interconnectedness of humans with nature and promotes ecocentric living through embodied engagement and collaboration with multispecies communities.

We refer to Collaborative Innovation as a form of Dialogic Systems Change to emphasize the fundamental process of continuous and shared meaning-making through dialog across organizational, sectoral, cultural, and political boundaries. The dialogic emphasis doesn’t devalue the need to use powerful diagnostic tools in both analysis and strategic formation, but instead emphasizes that deep, systemic change fundamentally involves people generating shared meaning and co-creating shared futures together.

Addressing complex social issues like homelessness and addiction requires a place-based approach involving diverse stakeholders with different perspectives. Engaging individuals with lived experience from the start is crucial in tackling these challenges effectively. The systemic design methodology combines systems thinking and design principles, emphasizing the importance of involving marginalized individuals in the design process. By implementing a Systemic Landscape of Practice Lab, which aligns various practices and supports economic self-determination, it becomes possible to address wicked problems while empowering those directly affected by them.

This fieldnote delves into the concept of visualizing experiment portfolios, discussing different ways to represent such portfolios effectively. It highlights the importance of diverse information needs, scaling up over time, and the various roles associated with managing portfolios. The document provides insights into tools for visualizing and managing experiment portfolios, such as Flourish Studio for data visualization, Trello for project management, and Dovetail for qualitative research. It also suggests hybrid platforms like Airtable and Notion as flexible tools to address multiple needs in managing and communicating experimentation portfolios.

John Githongo reflects on the challenges of anti-corruption efforts in Africa, highlighting the discontent with democracy and the rise in corruption perceptions. He discusses the impact of youth unemployment on these issues and the need to address the disillusionment with democracy among young Africans. Githongo emphasizes the importance of redefining the global anti-corruption agenda to tackle systemic issues such as economic mismanagement, debt crises, and inequalities, advocating for a more equitable geopolitical framework to combat corruption effectively.

The document highlights the importance of funding entire ecosystems in the philanthropic and international development sectors to shift power dynamics effectively. It emphasizes the need to operationalize grant funding in alignment with trust-based philanthropy and localization efforts to empower local organizations and movements. By focusing on systems rather than individual organizations, funders can democratize funding, prevent concentration of power, and support positive inter-organizational dynamics. The document advocates for transparent, streamlined processes, increased staffing, and ongoing feedback loops to ensure that grantees can drive their own agendas and respond to emerging challenges. Ultimately, funding multiple approaches and organizations within ecosystems can lead to more impactful social change and a stronger, more diverse community.

Highlights and notes available on request

Social entrepreneurs can use an ecosystems framework to create long-lasting and significant social change. This approach departs from the industrial organization economics framework, which focuses on gaining competitive advantage and capturing profits while protecting against new entrants and substitute products in a well-defined industry. An ecosystems framework, in contrast, incorporates the broader environment within which organizations operate. Self-Help is an organization that has made far-reaching changes by tackling a problematic ecosystem. To make ecosystem change more systematic, social entrepreneurs should create a map of their ecosystem that identifies all of the players and environmental conditions along with the relationships between them.

John Githongo reflects on his 30 years in the anti-corruption field, highlighting the transformation in global geopolitics and the shift in anti-corruption work over time. He discusses how the Western norms of liberal democracy and human rights shaped anti-corruption efforts in the 1990s, leading to a period of economic growth and political transitions in Africa. Githongo emphasizes the challenges faced today, as Western hegemony in anti-corruption work diminishes and new geopolitical shifts impact the fight against corruption, underscoring the need for a critical reevaluation of assumptions and strategies in this evolving landscape.

The document explores the concept of creating rigor in evaluations within complex environments. It emphasizes the importance of relational and participatory approaches in evaluating systems change, especially in situations where innovation and transformation are key. The text highlights the significance of drawing on shared values, cultural grounding, and inclusive practices to ensure credibility and relevance in evaluative work. Ultimately, the document stresses the need for context-specific rigor that is created through collective engagement and reflection, aiming to produce evaluations that are recognized as valid and credible by all involved stakeholders.

The document explores the shift towards an ecosystems approach to funding in philanthropy, focusing on experiences from foundations like MacArthur and philanthropic organizations. It discusses the limitations of traditional funding models based on siloed interventions and the importance of fostering societal transformations for Sustainable Development Goals. The narrative emphasizes the need for collaboration, cooperation, and co-creation within ecosystems to address systemic failures and support systemic shifts. The document also highlights the significance of funding new possibilities through initiatives that invest in ecologies, platforms, networks, and assemblages to drive long-term systemic change and societal impact.

Ecosystem Investing: Achieving Impact at Scale discusses the importance of understanding and altering social systems to drive social change effectively. Target’s strategic investments in education focus on scalability and sustainability within the social sector, emphasizing the need to view work within a broader ecosystem for impactful results. The shift towards ecosystem investing involves transitioning to new behaviors and assumptions, moving from transactional to transformational relationships, seeking understanding over answers, and embracing interrelation and unpredictability for collective long-term impact. By engaging various partners and adjusting approaches accordingly, ecosystem investing shows promise in addressing complex social challenges and driving population-level outcomes.

Investing in systems change capacity is essential for achieving lasting and sustainable change. Philanthropists have realized that concrete outcomes alone are insufficient, and true systems change requires embedding solutions deeply within the system itself. This involves building strong systems, developing broad buy-in within institutions, and combining responsiveness with a strategic approach. Examples from various philanthropies demonstrate the importance of investing in capacity, such as supporting community power-building efforts and building network capacity. Additionally, fostering buy-in and shared learning among philanthropic staff and trustees is crucial for effective systems change. Overall, investing in systems change capacity is key for achieving long-term impact and transformation.

Funding individual point solutions is not sufficient for improving system health. The current funding architecture prioritizes point solutions and creates competition among organizations for funding and credit. To address this, a new approach is needed that focuses on funding enabling conditions and system health outcomes. This requires building a facility that can holistically support system health, convene diverse actors, foster learning and collaboration, and provide system-level sensing and sensemaking. Additionally, new portfolios should be created that bundle system health outcomes, enabling conditions, and point solutions, with different time scales and types of funding. The role of financial capital providers should also change to increase transparency, accountability, and adaptive governance.

The document delves into the nuances of achieving higher, broader, and deeper level results, discussing concepts like self-efficacy and empowerment in the context of systems change. It questions the traditional hierarchy of results, emphasizing the need for a more network-oriented approach to understanding change. The text highlights the importance of considering interconnected factors and feedback loops for more robust and sustainable outcomes, advocating for a shift towards horizontal, configurational, and network-based thinking in the realm of systems change.

Humanity is facing layers of individual, intergenerational, and collective trauma that often goes unrecognized. This prevents us from addressing the root causes of our collective challenges and hinders our ability to heal and transform the systems that surround us. Trauma is pervasive and contributes to the stagnation of social systems, including child welfare, criminal justice, education, healthcare, and housing. However, trauma is largely absent from mainstream discussions about systems change. Recognizing and understanding trauma at a systems level requires acknowledging our own trauma history and widening our perspective to include collective trauma. Healing from trauma is a collective endeavor that can repair relationships, restore creativity and interconnectedness, and lead to new ways of working and relating to each other.

In this transcript, the speaker discusses the spiritual undercurrents of the community-building project called Microsolidarity. They acknowledge that people have defenses against religion and spirituality, and they don’t want to push anyone to believe something they don’t actually believe. However, they mention the idea of seeing oneself as inextricably entangled with others and part of something bigger. They also highlight the importance of shifting from individualism to mutualism and entanglement. The speaker aims to find practices or approaches that spark imagination and invite individuals to explore their own version of this interconnectedness.

The article emphasizes the need for new approaches to governance that are better suited to complex systems change. The author discusses two practices that can help governors and staff work more effectively in this context. The first is to capitalize on uncertainty, which can lower risk and increase chances for success. The second is to focus on creating the conditions for change rather than targeting specific outcomes. The author argues that both practices require leaders and staff to step into their work in ways that may be in tension with other experiences they’ve had.

Systemic worldviews shape our understanding of the world, influencing our sense of self, relationships, behaviors, and beliefs. They are how we see and interpret everything around us. Different lineages and cultural backgrounds contribute to diverse worldviews, with Indigenous cultures often having systemic perspectives rooted in deep connections to the land. Western approaches to complexity often prioritize predictability and control, while other lineages emphasize interconnectedness and embracing uncertainty. Embodying systemic worldviews requires unlearning and relearning, as well as reclaiming and reawakening our true selves. Healing from oppressive systems and power dynamics can be facilitated through practices such as healing circles.

In “Communication is Sacred” by Nora Bateson, the author explores the importance of communication and its role in shaping our relationships and society. She highlights the work of her father, Gregory Bateson, who studied how fascism takes hold of societies and the importance of contextual understanding in communication. Bateson emphasized that communication is more than words and is about the perception and combination of different stimuli. The author also discusses the manipulation and distortion of communication in the media and its detrimental effects on relationships and our ability to perceive interdependence. She suggests that a shift in our understanding and approach to communication is necessary for systemic change and building healthy relationships.

“Working Systemically for Transformation” is a blog that complements the short film series “Stepping Into Systems” on systems change. The blog explores how to think and act systemically in changemaking work. It emphasizes the need to hold change at multiple levels and to focus on both outer transformation and inner work. The practitioners interviewed discuss the importance of being embedded in the systems they seek to change and taking responsibility for intervention. They also highlight the role of deep hospitality, empathy, and truth-telling in transformative change. The blog emphasizes the need for collective and communal work, as well as the constant learning and reflection required in systems change practice.

The document discusses how to approach monitoring and evaluation (M&E) when working with complex problems. It highlights the importance of understanding the type of problem you are dealing with and designing the M&E framework accordingly. The document also emphasizes the need to regularly learn and adapt, capture system-level change, and track and report on intermediate progress. It provides guidance on how to build the “learn and adapt” function, measure system-level change, and track and report on progress. The document concludes by acknowledging the challenges of tracking progress in complex problems and suggests using a framework that enables self-checking, provides signals of progress, and ensures transparency with stakeholders.

Interoceptive journaling is a mindfulness practice that involves recording and reflecting upon bodily sensations to improve interoceptive awareness and strengthen the bond between mind and body. By recognizing and understanding bodily signals, this practice can help enhance emotional regulation, self-awareness, and overall well-being. Interoceptive journaling can be practiced through free-flow writing or guided prompts, such as the eight questions provided. This practice is most effective when done regularly and can be easily included as part of any mindfulness practice.

This article presents a new theory of change called “a theory of complex potential states.” The author argues that existing theories of change and models of systems dynamics are inadequate for addressing the multiple crises we face. The theory of complex potential states proposes a shift away from complex adaptive systems thinking, which focuses on competition and adaptation, and towards opening up to new potentials in every relationship and environment. The article draws on the work of Christopher Alexander, Alfred North Whitehead, and Gilbert Simondon to develop this new theory, which emphasizes the generative potentials and processes that underlie living structures. The theory of complex potential states suggests that change occurs through creating relationships and advancing towards complex relational states.

The polarity between Deep Structures and Surface Structures is crucial for integral thinking, allowing for a nuanced understanding of reality. Deep structures are the underlying, often implicit structures that govern systems, while surface structures are their explicit, observable manifestations. Understanding this polarity enhances our ability to make sense of complex realities and adapt our thinking to both enduring principles and emergent trends. Supporting members have access to a Full Polarity Map and a revolutionary new training program by Beena Sharma designed to teach the higher-order thinking common to leading-edge individuals at the integral stage of development.

In this article, the author explores the concept of “Regeneration” and distinguishes it from mere “good intentions.” Drawing from personal and professional experiences, the author discusses a shift in perspective towards a more holistic view that considers the interconnectedness of all living systems. The article highlights the importance of understanding system dynamics, recognizing the uniqueness and potential of each entity, and developing individual and collective capacities. The author also reflects on the transition from a self-centric approach to a system-centric approach, emphasizing the role of active participation in the renewal of the world.

Differentiation and Integration are fundamental dynamics in Ken Wilber’s Integral Theory. Differentiation involves creating uniqueness and distinction within a system, leading to diversity and individuality. Integration, on the other hand, synthesizes these diverse elements into a functioning whole, fostering unity and interconnectedness. Both processes are essential for the health, evolution, and complexity of consciousness and systems. Differentiation allows for specialization and the introduction of novel features, while integration ensures harmonious interrelation and cohesion. However, when differentiation is not adequately integrated, dissociation can occur, and when integration is excessive, repression may arise. The balance between differentiation and integration is crucial for holistic development.

This blog post is part of a series complementing the short film series “Stepping Into Systems” on systems change. It features rich sharings from interviews with systems change practitioners. The blog pairs with the first film in the series, which asks foundational questions about systems change and explores the qualities that systems exhibit. The post explores practitioners’ definitions of systems and systems change, and the systemic qualities of nestedness, interconnectedness, emergence, and aliveness. The practitioners also discuss the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of systems and the potential for systems change to highlight strengths and shift conditions that bring societies and individuals to their full potential.

The article discusses the ideas of Mushtaq Khan on institutional economics, political economy, and methodology of economics, and connects them to concepts in scale-free regulative development, morphogenesis, and cognitive science. Khan argues that socioeconomies are non-ergodic dynamical systems with hysteresis, which means that socioeconomies must be “goal-directed agents that can make mistakes.” He views the economy through the lens of individual choice as overly reductive and misses opportunities for intervention and explanation. Khan’s position is that viewing the economy exclusively through the lens of individual choice and emergence of supply, demand, and market prices is overly reductive and misses opportunities for intervention and explanation.

“On the Ways of Learning” by Mary Catherine Bateson explores the various ways in which we learn from our experiences. The author emphasizes the importance of peripheral vision, the ability to make connections between different life experiences, and the value of contrast in learning. Bateson also discusses the practice of storytelling as a means of making connections and understanding the world. She argues that learning is a fundamental human adaptive process and that embracing ambiguity and complexity can lead to a more satisfying and sustainable relationship with the world.

The School of System Change has created a film series that covers fundamental concepts and topics related to systems change. The series aims to (re)awaken a felt sense of knowing the world as systemic and invite viewers to get started on their systems-learning journey. The series was created through a process of convening and yarning with practitioners from diverse and multiple lineages of systems practice, and the resulting films are rooted in the varied sharings and the aliveness and livingness of the practitioners’ work. The School has also created a blog series that adds more depth to the learnings found in the films and celebrates the rich multiplicity of systems practice.

In this post, the author expands on the heuristics for managing complexity, focusing on the first one: optimize the granularity. The author argues that the only way to scale a complex system is by decomposition to the lowest level of coherent granularity and then allowing recombination, not repetition or aggregation. The author also discusses the importance of abstraction and coherence in managing complexity, emphasizing the need to focus on changing things at a micro level to shift evolutionary pathways and create sustainable and coherent solutions.

The author discusses the concepts of pragmatism, patterns, and assemblages in this post. They refer to the role of language, art, and intuition in sense-making and decision-making. The author also explores the idea of pattern languages and how they can be used to solve complex problems. They mention their work with Hexi and the importance of knowing when an assembly becomes an assemblage. Finally, they touch on the topics of granularity, diversity, and the mapping of attitudes in the context of organizational design and strategy.

In this blog post, the author discusses the concept of abductive reasoning and its role in human decision-making. Abductive reasoning is about finding connections between seemingly unrelated things and is a critical aspect of human resilience and adaptability. The author also explores the link between experience, intuition, and abductive thinking. They emphasize the importance of anomalies and surprise in triggering abductive thinking and highlight the need to balance uncertainty reduction with the ability to detect and respond to anomalies. The post concludes by mentioning future posts on AI and a new sensing capability.

The author reflects on the Children’s Party Story as a teaching tool to understand the different ways we manage relationships at work versus in our personal lives. They discuss the ability to recognize patterns of behavior and adapt our identity and interaction style based on context. The author also explores how our ability to detect dishonesty and maintain fairness diminishes in larger groups or social media contexts. They emphasize the importance of understanding the fluidity of identity and the influence of social patterns and trust. The author questions the prevalence of organizational frameworks and categories that overlook these natural abilities and interactions. They suggest that understanding and influencing culture requires reflection on our innate understanding of interactions rather than relying on generalized qualities and abstractions.

Gamifying the note-taking process in Obsidian can make it more enjoyable and engaging. The author compares the experience to playing Minecraft and highlights the challenges and excitement that come with gaming. They provide several strategies for gamifying Obsidian, including adopting a challenge mindset, creating a superhero alter ego, fighting against obstacles, and framing note-making as an adventure. The author also suggests finding allies to join the journey and treating the PKM system as a knowledge garden. Lastly, they emphasize the importance of clarity, setting goals, and providing feedback to reduce procrastination and spark action.

In this letter, the author reflects on the nature of care during winter in Cyprus compared to Northern Europe. They describe how winter in Cyprus is a time of rejuvenation and growth, with lush green landscapes and vibrant trees. The author also discusses their exploration of the concept of care and lists a series of questions they are considering, such as the definition of care, the undervaluing of care, the interdependence of care for people and the environment, and the relationship between care and control. They emphasize the importance of care in the face of social and ecological crises and the need to navigate the complexities and trade-offs involved in providing care.

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is an approach to interpersonal relating that focuses on creating a high quality of connection between people. It recognizes the importance of boundaries as strategies for meeting needs and maintaining healthy relationships. NVC provides tools for setting boundaries, such as expressing requests instead of demands and using protective use of force when necessary. The practice of NVC also emphasizes interrupting conversations with honesty or empathy and understanding the power of saying and receiving “no.” By understanding boundaries as strategies in service of needs, NVC helps individuals develop healthier relationships and achieve a balance between honesty and harmony.

This document provides a 3-step guide to gaining clarity in your personal knowledge management (PKM) practice for the new year. The first step involves creating a table of the top 5 knowledge nodes in your graph, allowing you to reflect on your main interests for the upcoming year. The second step focuses on reflecting on your curiosity about each knowledge node, using a contextual column to rank your level of curiosity. The final step involves creating additional contextual columns to fill in with information about sources, notes, creations, and knowledge, helping you to create an Interest Landscape and surface valuable connections within your knowledge graph.

The second webinar of the three-part trauma and system change series is an exploration of trauma and its role in social change. The webinar features social change leaders and collective healers who discuss how to move towards healing systems. The webinar begins with an exercise led by Dr. Goodchild to help participants arrive and be present with their heart and mind. The exercise involves smudging with Sage and an introduction to the Yarning methodology for knowledge production and sharing. The Yarning methodology involves sharing stories and experiences from lived reality, including academic research and personal life journeys.

The Well-being Project is hosting a three-part webinar series on trauma in collaboration with the Collective Change Lab. The panelists discuss the importance of addressing trauma in social change work and promoting collective healing. The conversation covers different types of trauma, including individual, intergenerational, collective, historical, and systemic trauma. The panelists share their personal experiences and expertise in the field.