A Co-Discovery Process through Living Systems: Unlocking the Potential in Flourishing Businesses

In business, "assessment" and "audit" are well-known practices for organizations seeking growth and improvement. But what if there was a different way to approach this process? One that’s not only holistic but grounded in the principles of Living Systems and Regenerative Business? This is where the co-discovery process comes into play. Unlike traditional assessments or audits, a co-discovery process focuses on the potential within an organization rather than just identifying problems. It’s a process designed to map out what’s working while uncovering opportunities for growth, innovation, and deeper alignment with an organization's essence–—its unique strengths, culture, and values.

Shifting from Problem-Fixing to Potential-Seeking

Traditionally, when businesses seek external support, it’s often from a place of seeking solutions to problems. Whether it's inefficiencies, underperformance, or challenges with market adaptation, consultants are typically brought in to "fix" things. However, this problem-fixing mindset often overlooks a crucial aspect of organizational success—understanding what is already working. Instead of focusing solely on what's broken, a regenerative approach encourages businesses to look at their inherent strengths and potential.

As Rob Sinclair from Conscious Brands reflects, “We’re trained in society to look for things that are wrong, as opposed to things that are working.” This is a critical shift in mindset. In a co-discovery process, organizations are encouraged to explore what is thriving within their systems and how these thriving elements can be leveraged to create even greater success. It’s about honouring the essence of the organization and building on that foundation.

This idea is reminiscent of what Rob describes as working within the framework of Living Systems, where potential is always present. Living systems, by nature, are dynamic, interconnected, and resilient. They are continuously evolving, and they thrive by tapping into the potential that exists within them. Similarly, organizations can learn to see themselves as living systems, focusing on growth from a place of potential rather than purely from a need to solve problems.

The Co-Discovery Process: A Holistic, Co-Creative Approach

At its core, the co-discovery process is about taking stock of what exists in an organization—not just in terms of its operational functions but also in terms of its relationships, culture, and impact. This process begins by mapping out the ecosystem in which the organization exists, understanding its stakeholders, and exploring the roles each stakeholder plays within the larger system.

As Rob Sinclair mentions, “An audit could be a lot more holistic because we’re looking at the wholes… and again, going back to the Flourishing Business Canvas (FBC), that first step is mapping stakeholders and trying to understand those stakeholder needs.” This stakeholder mapping exercise is critical in the co-discovery process, as it helps businesses identify their key players and understand the value they bring. By uncovering hidden connections, businesses can reveal opportunities for co-creating value that they may not have previously recognized.

What sets a co-discovery process apart from other types of assessments is the emphasis on collaboration. This isn’t a process where consultants come in with predefined solutions. Instead, it’s a co-creative journey where the organization plays an active role in discovering its potential. This collaborative approach allows for the emergence of new ideas, perspectives, and opportunities that may not have surfaced in a more traditional, siloed assessment.

Beyond Assessment: Tapping into the Power of Living Systems

One of the fundamental differences between a co-discovery process and a traditional assessment is that it is not about benchmarking or comparing one organization to another. Rob says, “Assessment is potentially a little bit more siloed, whereas an audit... is a lot more holistic and customized.” This customization is key, allowing organizations to focus on their unique ecosystem rather than being constrained by generic criteria or standards.

The Flourishing Business Canvas (FBC) plays an important role in this process. It’s a flexible tool that helps organizations visualize their ecosystem and explore its interconnections. While the FBC might appear rigid at first glance, it is, in fact, a tool that encourages exploration and adaptation. As Lesley Robb describes, it’s like a “box of cards,” where each area of the canvas represents a different aspect of the business that can be explored. This approach allows businesses to “choose their own adventure,” focusing on the areas most relevant to their current situation.

In this way, the co-discovery process is a process of continuous learning and adaptation. It’s not about reaching a fixed end goal but rather about constantly exploring the potential that exists within the organization and its ecosystem. As Rob suggests, “Rigid frameworks allow for the most flexibility. You need those guardrails… in order to have that swaying power to explore all the boundaries, all the edges.”

Fostering Innovation through Co-Discovery

The concept of co-discovery is deeply aligned with regenerative business practices, which emphasize growth from within. By focusing on potential, organizations can foster innovation in a way that is both sustainable and meaningful. Innovation doesn’t always have to be about big, shiny new products or services—it can be about small tweaks and refinements that lead to peak performance.

Rob gives a powerful example from his own experience in the food industry. Despite having a successful brownie product line, he was tempted to shift focus to a new line of vegan puddings. In hindsight, he realized that the potential for growth lay in building on what was already working rather than chasing after the next big thing. This lesson is one that many entrepreneurs can relate to—there’s a tendency to get distracted by new opportunities rather than focusing on what is already successful.

This approach to innovation is akin to fine-tuning an Olympic athlete. As Rob explains, “You just take a different stroke… and it just allows you to have that peak performance.” In the same way, businesses can achieve peak performance by making small adjustments to what is already working rather than overhauling their entire operation.

The Role of Storytelling in the Co-Discovery Process

One of the most valuable outcomes of a co-discovery process is the stories that emerge from it. Storytelling is a powerful tool for capturing an organization's essence and communicating its potential. As Lesley describes, “The output is almost like a book of stories. You’ve co-written the story through dialogue.”

These stories help to crystallize the insights gained from the co-discovery process and provide a narrative framework for future growth. By capturing the voices and perspectives of all stakeholders, the co-discovery process creates a rich tapestry of insights that can be used to guide the organization’s future direction.

Embracing the Complexity of Living Systems

At the heart of the co-discovery process is a recognition of the complexity of living systems. No two organizations are the same, and each exists within its unique ecosystem. This means that the solutions that emerge from a co-discovery process are not one-size-fits-all—they are tailored to the organization's specific needs, strengths, and potential.

As Lesley eloquently puts it, “There are many different flowers, many different mushrooms, many different trees, and they all serve a purpose.” In a flourishing business ecosystem, diversity is a strength; the potential for growth lies in embracing that diversity.

In conclusion, the co-discovery process is more than just a tool for organizational assessment. It is a holistic, co-creative process that empowers organizations to unlock their potential, foster innovation, and align with the principles of Living Systems and Regenerative Business. By shifting the focus from fixing problems to discovering potential, businesses can create a more sustainable and meaningful path for growth—one that honours their unique essence and role within the larger ecosystem.

Time Stamp*:?

Full Moon / Celebrate Celebrate achievements, gain clarity on progress, and ensure alignment with long-term goals. Autumn (S3) - Transition, change, harvey. October - Let go of what’s not working, refine your strategy, and focus on what’s essential for future success.

Rob Sinclair is the founder of Conscious Brand and serves as a thought partner, translating the collective wisdom embedded within your organization and its stakeholders. Lesley Robb is the founder of Swell Impact, a firm specializing in branding and sustainability strategies for the tourism sector. Together, they openly explore holistic business models by prioritizing play over perfection and co-creating community.

*We invite you to download the Georythmic Calendar here to explore it for yourself and your business.