Complexity is straining the ability of traditional plans to function as designed. When mass systems change is afoot, the key is not to jettison traditional planning, but collaborate with complexity rather than ignore it. In an earlier post I made the case that the days of linear planning were over. I stand by that, but …
What does systemic change at an exponential level look like? Look around and you’ll see why a new approach to perceiving the world is now critical. The first question above is answered below: Whether it’s area burned (above) or carbon emissions (below), the Canadian wildfire situation is a start and gigantic example of what exponential …
Principled or values-driven approaches to strategy only have value when we can put them into practice. In this latest post in our series on Principles-Focused Evaluation, we look at the nuts and bolts of putting principles into practice. It is a lot easier to speak of principles and values than to live by them. I …
The climate crisis enveloping us right now is providing a teachable moment to explore the difference between development and growth. Understanding the distinctions between what it means to grow and what it takes to develop might be critical to the survival of our planet — or at least ourselves. It might also be a way …
Design and evaluation are a two-way street and both fields of practice are wise to learn each others’ language Design is what shapes our products and services and brings them to life. Great design is transformative. Evaluation is the means to understand what is transformed, how it takes place, and what impact that transformation has …
Innovation has likely never been more important and that’s why its study and practice is no laughing matter. The systemic changes that are underway and amplified by the pandemic that arrived in 2020 has meant enormous changes for sectors across society and the world — one’s that will require attention for the decade to come. …
A gardener’s mindframe is what distinguishes a true innovator from the rest. We look at four qualities which show how.
Our models of organized learning could benefit from the disruption we’re seeing across society…if we allow it. The conceit of traditional learning models is that past experience informs present understanding to guide current and future thought and actions. This is so taken for granted that it’s hardly challenged; it is the essence of ‘received wisdom’ …
Massive change often prompts fear, confusion, and a sense of chaos. How we manage and mitigate this is all about the right design choices. At the time of this writing we are seeing entire countries being quarantined along with thousands of people on cruise ships, sporting events being played to empty arenas, and large planned …
VIsionary evaluation is about putting data to our principles and actions and seeing where we’ve come from and where we’re going at the same time. This article explores what it is and what we need to do.
