DO WE NEED A “BORING REVOLUTION” AND WHAT CAN YOU, I, WE REALLY DO?

What a lovely afternoon pondering HUGE challenges – thanks for organising and hosting Paul Barnett , via the Enlightened Enterprise Academy , and for inviting Indy Johar to share thinking on countless ideas.

Here's just a handful of the things discussed - my note taking couldn't keep up:

1.?????The need for radical, systemic transformation to address global challenges, particularly climate change and human flourishing. I think I heard this as the "boring revolution" - a fundamental redesign of societal structures and systems.

2.?????Recognition of the interconnected, "entangled" nature of our world. Indy emphasised that we need to move beyond seeing the world as composed of discrete objects and instead understand the complex interdependencies at local and planetary levels.

3.?????Reimagining foundational concepts like property rights, measures of value, and our relationship to land and resources. Indy advocates for new models that reflect "entanglement" rather than extraction or domination.

4.?????The importance of redesigning "dark matter" – what Indy calls the invisible forces that shape our world, like regulations, contracts, and financial systems. He sees this as key to creating positive change.

5.?????A focus on large-scale, "micro-massive" transitions involving millions of small, simultaneous interventions rather than top-down, centralised approaches.

6.?????Integrating technology, ecology, and new forms of governance to create more sustainable and equitable systems. This means going beyond existing models such as cooperatives to concepts not yet seen or tested.

7.?????The need to transform not just outer systems, but also inner worldviews so that the institutions shift as the default behaviours that arise from those worldviews shift.

8.?????An emphasis on thinking like an ecosystem to align human systems with nature and foster mutual thriving rather than exploitation.

Overall, this all seemed to centre on holistic, systemic approaches to redesigning society's fundamental structures in order to address complex global challenges and create a more sustainable, equitable future.

SO I’M LEFT THINKING: WHAT CAN YOU, I, WE REALLY DO to support such transformative change?

My brain went to four spaces, as I reflected, and their interconnected nature.

PERSONALLY

1.?????Develop awareness:

Recognise the interconnected nature of systems and our place within them.

2.?????Cultivate desire for change:

Find intrinsic motivation to participate in systemic transformation.

3.?????Acquire new skills:

Learn about systems thinking, regenerative practices, and collaborative approaches.

4.?????Take action – talk is cheap:

Start with small, meaningful changes in your daily life and work.

5.?????Practice self-reflection:

Regularly examine your thoughts, feelings, and actions to foster personal growth.

INTER-PERSONALLY

1.?????Build your support networks:

Surround yourself with people who encourage and challenge you to grow.

2.?????Cultivate positive relationships:

Foster connections that align with your values and goals for change.

3.?????Engage in collective sense-making:

Participate in group discussions and activities that build shared understanding and a shared language of complex issues.

4.?????Collaborate across differences:

Work with diverse groups to gain new perspectives and create innovative solutions – let go of what you think you know, be open and pay attention.

5.?????Share knowledge and resources:

Contribute to the collective learning and capacity-building of your community.

6.?????Be present to how you are:

Get present to what it's like to be on the receiving end of you - our strengths come with shadows, our presence can create fear or safety in the same room with different people.

ORGANISATIONALLY

1.?????Redefine value and metrics:

Develop new ways to measure success that account for social and environmental impacts.

2.?????Extend planning horizons:

Shift from short-term thinking to long-term, systemic approaches.

3.?????Redesign decision-making processes - GET COLLABORATIVE:

Implement more participatory and inclusive methods for strategic choices – embrace the wisdom of your crowd (perhaps I would think this as founder of www.CleverTogether.com).

4.?????Rethink resource allocation:

Develop new models for setting salaries and allocating finances that align with systemic goals - break the resource rigidities.

5.?????Foster a culture of learning and playing:

Encourage experimentation, reflection, and continuous improvement throughout your organisation.

INTER-ORGANISATIONALLY:

1.?????Develop collaborative networks grounded in shared purpose:

Build partnerships across sectors to address complex challenges collectively.

2.?????Create new shared visions:

Work with other organisations to develop new shared goals and strategies for systemic change.

3.?????Implement micro-massive interventions:

Coordinate high numbers of small actions across multiple organisations to create large-scale shared impact. Learn and then take on bigger actions.

4.?????Share learning and best practices:

Establish platforms for knowledge-exchange and collective-learning among organisations.

5.?????Co-create new institutional structures:

Collaborate to design and implement new forms of governance and coordination that better address systemic issues - don't lift and shift the governance of the old expecting it to deliver new outcomes.

In sum...

To drive lasting change, Indy Johar and Paul Barnett today reconnected me to the importance of starting wherever we can, experimenting our way to success and reflecting on the process. This approach, combined with an understanding of the interconnected nature of systems, can lead to transformative change at all levels. I left the group feeling that societal renewal will happen, and it will require personal enlightened growth, combined with collective alignment and the wisdom of crowds..