Core Concept
Research & Reflection
To create change in complex systems, we must develop an ongoing process of reflection and research. How do we know we are on the right track? This process is not limited to traditional research; the non-linear, emergent nature of systemic work requires a range of methodologies. These might include self-reflection, conversations with colleagues, photo-taking, quiet listening, or gathering specific quantitative data.
The Full Picture: Evaluating Change Beyond Numbers
Often, we confine ourselves to understanding the impact of an initiative by looking at traditional metrics. How can we quantify or measure the impact of our efforts? While quantitative data may help evaluate some aspects of compassionate systems leadership activities, we must consider other methods to fully understand the effect of our work. This includes changing relationships and shifting mindsets, which are often hard to measure.
Broadening our View of Impact: Key Suggestions
Journalling
Keeping a journal or log allows you to regularly reflect on your experience of the system. How are relationships shifting? What are you experiencing within the system? What practices are being regularly implemented? This work can take just a few minutes a day, but given the dynamic nature of systems, it can capture incremental shifts along the way.
Connected Conversations
Talking to others to gather their experiences provides a diversity of perspectives on how changes are understood. It is particularly helpful to have conversations with those who might be most impacted by change, such as children and their families.
Sensing the System
Using all our senses to understand a system provides deeper and more diverse insights into its transformation. Systems sensing involves deeply relating to and listening to a system, expanding our understanding through an embodied and felt-sense approach. By activating and widening our senses and other ways of knowing, we engage with the less visible layers and dynamics of a system, allowing us to explore its shifts and changes.
Systems Mapping
Creating a system map at the start of your systems change initiative can be incredibly beneficial. This map should highlight the interconnections between system components, including structures and people. Regularly revisiting this map helps you visualize and illustrate the changes that have occurred over time.
Unraveling and Maneuvering Complex Systems
Understanding and navigating complex systems requires recognizing their unique characteristics and employing diverse methods to track changes. Complex systems exhibit dynamic patterns of behavior, with interdependent and entangled parts, where cause and effect are often only clear in hindsight. These systems self-organize and consist of nested webs and networks. To effectively understand changes within such systems, it is crucial to conduct thorough research and reflect on experiences and impacts. Methods such as interviews, focus groups, self-reflection, document reviews, mapping system outcomes, appreciative inquiry, observing activities, as well as tracking events and policy changes are essential tools for gaining insights into the evolving nature of complex systems.
Characteristics of a Complex System
Dynamic patterns of behaviour
Parts are entagled and interdependent
Cause and effect is only seen in retrospect
Systems self-organizes
Nested webs and networks
Methods of Understanding Changes
Interviews and focus groups
Self-reflection
Document reviews
Mapping system outcomes
Appreciative inquiry
Observation of activities
Tracking events and policy changes
Tools
Suggested Resources
Website
Finding freedom, love and joy right where you are
Jack Kornfield
