In an earlier post, we looked at what classroom complexity might look like if we peeked in to a typical school. I introduced some of the many scenarios that play out in schools and how some might be connected through the myriad intersections that comprise the current classroom context. In this post, I’m providing a […]
Design for Classroom Complexity Read More »
Preparedness and strategy need to be fit for purpose. This article looks at a recent event in Finland that parallels COVID-19 and illustrates how we need to think of health systems strategy as a dynamic, complexity-ready process, not a static plan.
Seeing What Isn’t Seen: Strategy in Complexity Read More »
The myriad layers of social, political, economic, and climate change are thrusting upon us new ways to learn, to live and to do both with complexity. These are days where even the most unique phrases developed for them seem insufficient. Entanglements, confusion, and uncertainty are all words that are being used describe what the world
To Live and Learn With Complexity Read More »
In a recent podcast, historian Margaret McMillan discusses the complexities of today’s world, observing that historical patterns do not neatly apply to current events. Despite her extensive knowledge, she finds it challenging to provide clear insights. This underscores the overwhelming nature of contemporary issues, further complicated by misinformation and faux wisdom, highlighting the need for wayfinding rather than certainty.
When Complexity Exceeds Wisdom Read More »
What happens when we no longer see what’s out there, but what some algorithm feeds us, and what are the alternatives to learning new things from the internet? The answer: email. In the mid-2010’s, I undertook a research project for Heritage Canada (now Canadian Heritage), the federal agency responsible for copyright regulations, looking at the
Algorithmic Anti-Design Read More »
It is the time of year in the Northern Hemisphere when we are in our most darkest days and, appropriately, often surrounded with lights. It’s a time of food, reflection, and rest among the bustle of more modern trappings of the holidays and year-end commitments. We are part of the seasons, whether we’ve designed our
Pathways Through Yuletide Read More »
The Fall Into Strategy series is both a play on the season and a metaphor for how we convert intention into action with a plan, by design. Today, we look at the bigger picture of complexity and its role in strategic design. More specifically, we’re going to look at three words: fumbling, stumbling, and forward.
Fumbling and Stumbling Forward: Strategy and Complexity Read More »
This content discusses the importance of strategic design in connecting aspirations with actions and outcomes. It emphasizes that strategy isn’t confined to boardrooms but occurs in everyday decisions. Key components include inquiry, visioning, planning, implementation, and evaluation, all of which work together to create an impactful, adaptive strategy.
The Practice of Strategy Read More »
Separating out strategy, evaluation and service design in human services comes from old thinking that produces few benefits for the organization and make-work for consultants. There is a better way. We do a lot of silly things out of habit. Somewhere along the route toward the establishment of a professional management culture, we started separating
Strategic Design and Consultants Read More »
Caring is essential for effective leadership, enabling connection and engagement within organizations. It involves attentive listening and intentional actions that foster psychological safety and trust. By prioritizing relational leadership and supportive organizational systems, leaders can motivate teams, manage complexity, and drive innovation, making care integral to their strategic vision and organizational success.
