Transduction — leading transformation — Issue #124
Benjamin P. Taylor
RedQuadrant | the Public Service Transformation Academy | systems | cybernetics | complexity / public | service | transformation business evolutionary | avid learner. Reframing for better outcomes. Connecting.
This week:
Upcoming Events:
SE Stakeholder Engagement – Productive Conversations (0.5d)
This training programme could equally be called ‘honest conversations’, ‘difficult conversations’, ‘constructive conversations’, or ‘challenging conversations’.
Fundamental to the success and flavour of organisational life – and systems practice interventions – are the quality of conversations we are able to have. If we can develop an honest and shared attempt to get at shared understanding – shared ‘truth’ if you like – or at least to fully appreciate each others’ understanding – then we can make true progress.
This interactive session will:
And help you to have productive conversations even when it seems most unlikely. You will need to bring a record of an ‘unproductive’ conversation you have had, or fear having, and be prepared to work with others around it and other examples. You will end the session with the ability to surface more productive conversations even when it is difficult.
Trainer These courses are delivered by?Benjamin P Taylor, an expert in systems, cybernetics, and complexity in service transformation.
Pricing Info
￡250 +VAT
To enquire please go on this link:?https://www.systemspractice.org/courses/ise-stakeholder-engagement-productive-conversations-05d
ILG Large Group Interventions (1.0d)
In a classic 2005 article, ‘Techniques to Match our Values’, Weisbord set out the ‘learning curve’, with a movement from ‘experts solve problems’ to ‘’everybody’ solves problems’ to ‘experts improve whole systems’ to ‘’everybody’ improves whole systems’. Inherent in the development of systems practice from the start has been recognition of ‘the whole’, which comes in various forms from group dynamics to organisational viability.
This programme will give an overview of intervention approaches which ‘bring whole systems into the room’ rather than have a few experts work on individual issues. We will look at some of the history and the wide range of interventions that have been developed, and provide an overview of some of the most interesting.
We will compare and contrast these approaches and provide ‘ways in’ to consider when, and which, large group intervention might be an appropriate part of a systems practice intervention.
Trainer These courses are delivered by?Benjamin P Taylor, an expert in systems, cybernetics, and complexity in service transformation.
Pricing Info
￡500 +VAT
To enquire please go on this link:?https://www.systemspractice.org/courses/ilg-large-group-interventions-10d
ICS3 Workshop Design (0.5d)
This module provides learners with an understanding of the design of workshops and relevant considerations, taking into account the potentially very different contexts and definitions of what a ‘workshop’ is. It introduces a range of tools and approaches for workshop design, building on the facilitation module. It gives tools to consider evaluation and learning about workshop design, and compares various approaches, enabling learners to better select and apply appropriate workshop design approaches to their context.
A workshop can be distinguished from a meeting (though the boundaries may be blurry at times), by some of the following indicators:
An alternative use of the work,?to workshop (something), refers to taking a product or idea into a period of intense focused experimentation and development, often bringing in fresh or different perspectives than the original developers of the product or idea. This is of course closely related, but implies some partly-developed ‘content’ as the workshop focus, as opposed to simply a product or idea. In either case, some input is expected to a workshop, whether process, content, or both.
The learning will cover:
This is a very practical, hands-on course based on you creating an initial workshop design from your context, using sources offered, and?sharing and discussing it in the session.
This course complements the course on Facilitation for systems practice interventions, though they can be done independently or in any order.
Trainer These courses are delivered by?Benjamin P Taylor, an expert in systems, cybernetics, and complexity in service transformation.
Pricing Info
￡250 +VAT
To enquire please go on this link:?https://www.systemspractice.org/courses/ics3-workshop-design-05d
ICS2 Facilitation Skills for Systems Practice Interventions (0.5d)
This course provides learners with an understanding of the facilitation relationship in the context of systems intervention itself, and of the challenges it brings. It introduces a range of tools and practices for facilitation and provides guidance on workshop planning. Finally, it compares various approaches to facilitation, enabling learners to develop a stronger sense of the kind of facilitator they want to be.
Topics covered include:
Trainer These courses are delivered by?Benjamin P Taylor, an expert in systems, cybernetics, and complexity in service transformation.
Pricing Info
￡250 +VAT
To enquire please go on this link:?https://www.systemspractice.org/courses/ics2-facilitation-skills-systems-practice-interventions-05d
ICS1b Consulting for Systems Practice Interventions – (b) Core (0.5d)
This course provides learners with a deeper understanding of:
To maximise your chances of being effective in achieving positive change, you should combine a sound understanding of systems approaches with well-developed intervention skills.
This in turn requires a clear conception of the role of the systems practitioner as ‘consultant’, of their relationships with stakeholders, especially the ‘client’, and the nature of the practitioner’s influence on the organisations they seek to transform.
Drawing on Flawless Consulting, Barry Oshry’s Organic Systems Framework, and more,?Consulting for Systems Practice Interventions?emphasises a collaborative approach and equal responsibility between the intervention practitioner and the client, navigating a path between the twin traps of ‘consultant as boss’ and ‘consultant as servant’.
These courses are relevant to anyone – consultant or not! – who is engaging in organisational change.
Trainer These courses are delivered by?Benjamin P Taylor, an expert in systems, cybernetics, and complexity in service transformation.
Pricing Info
￡250 +VAT
To enquire please go on this link:?https://www.systemspractice.org/courses/ics1b-consulting-systems-practice-interventions-b-core-05d
ICS1a Consulting for Systems Practice Interventions – (a) Foundation (0.5d)
This course will provide learners with key principles and a structure for interventions. Topics covered include:
To maximise your chances of being effective in achieving positive change, you should combine a sound understanding of systems approaches with well-developed intervention skills.
This in turn requires a clear conception of the role of the systems practitioner as ‘consultant’, of their relationships with stakeholders, especially the ‘client’, and the nature of the practitioner’s influence on the organisations they seek to transform.
Drawing on Flawless Consulting, Barry Oshry’s Organic Systems Framework, and more,?Consulting for Systems Practice Interventions?emphasises a collaborative approach and equal responsibility between the intervention practitioner and the client, navigating a path between the twin traps of ‘consultant as boss’ and ‘consultant as servant’.
These courses are relevant to anyone – consultant or not! – who is engaging in organisational change.
Trainer These courses are delivered by?Benjamin P Taylor, an expert in systems, cybernetics, and complexity in service transformation.
Pricing Info
￡250 +VAT
To enquire please go on this link:?https://www.systemspractice.org/courses/ics1a-consulting-systems-practice-interventions-foundation-05d
Link Collection:
My Weekly Blog?post:
Speaking at the Procurement Act Expo, I advocate for a shift beyond traditional purchasing towards a broader commissioning approach. The Act aims to revamp post-"Brexit" procurement, prioritizing speed, simplicity, and value for money while supporting SMEs and voluntary sectors. However, initial years may see risk-averse procedures due to unfamiliarity, favoring resource-rich suppliers. Yet, there's potential for innovation and transformation.
Procurement professionals must embrace this opportunity by focusing on upstream intervention, considering downstream consequences, and fostering partnerships for social value creation. This entails prioritizing relationships over processes, strategic collaborations, and early involvement in decision-making. Leveraging open data mandated by the Act and fostering knowledge-sharing within the procurement community are crucial.
I advocate for a strategic shift where procurement becomes a proactive partner in organizational goals, emphasizing long-term impact, market influence, and community well-being. This change necessitates a mindset of innovation, collaboration, and strategic foresight in procurement practices.
At The Public Service Transformation Academy, we prioritise adult learning, action learning, and peer learning to drive real change in public services. Building on the Commissioning Academy's legacy, we offer transformational programs focused on contract management, outcome-based commissioning, and the National Commissioning Academy.
Our Contract Management program emphasizes an outcome-focused approach, supported by experienced facilitators like Paul Rackham and Jim Nicholls, who share practical insights alongside theory. The Ten Steps to Outcome-Based Commissioning program fosters innovation and constructive approaches, guiding participants to move beyond quick fixes.
The National Commissioning Academy, our flagship program, offers a comprehensive blend of in-person and online learning, tailored to empower leaders in shaping outcomes that truly matter for citizens and communities. Whether you're interested in joining or know someone who could benefit, spread the word and help us drive positive change in UK public services.
1,850 perspectives by 120+ subject matter experts between Jul 2011 – Feb 2012
https://www.systemswiki.org
series: the cognitive arts 1,850 perspectives – june 2011 to february 2012
compiled into ebook by https://www.kapaigroup.net
DETAILS: March 28, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm?AEDT
Cost: Free: Chapter Events,?Webinar
ORGANIZER Oceania ChapterView Organizer Website
The Oceania Chapter of the System Dynamics Society Webinar Series.
What does it mean??Beyond connecting the dots.
Presenter:?Gene Bellinger, Storyteller & Recovering Systems Thinker
Abstract:In this webinar, Gene will share some of his most memorable ‘aha’-moments that occurred during his?almost five decades of searching?for understanding on the other side of complexity. Gene is highly respected member of the systems thinking community, authored hundreds of models and articles, and over 1000 videos on Systems Thinking. He developed Systems-Thinking and SystemsWiki websites and has been a major contributor to the development of Insight Maker and Kumu. In 2013,? he co-authored “Beyond Connecting the Dots: Modeling for Meaningful Results”? with Scott Fortmann-Roe,? the developer of Insight Maker. Presently, Gene’s effort is expressed in “SystemsWiki’s Musing”, understanding relationships and their implications.
The Oceania Chapter of the System Dynamics Society Webinar Series.
Event by?Prometheus Project Tue, Mar 26, 2024, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (your local time)
LinkedIn advert: https://www.dhirubhai.net/events/7168978756278190080
[I know this isn’t precisely systems thinking – though ethno-methodography has a rich and related history – but it is very interesting and relevant. See below for two interesting facts!]
Harvard Business Review
How much do you know about the end-to-end operations of your organization? If you looked closely, would you see a deliberate strategy or the results of years and years of patches, workarounds, political truces, and shadow systems? Now imagine you had carte blanche to clean it up?— redesign operations to be more efficient, more effective, more focused on getting things done. Would this experience change how you see your current efforts and responsibilities? According to research, it might: A study of six project teams?tasked with redesigning their organization’s operations found that many ended up disillusioned with the patchwork systems they saw. Further, almost half of the participants left their established careers as managers, feeling as though they couldn’t enact meaningful change in their roles.
Paper:
Abstract: This paper examines how employees become spontaneously empowered and alienated by detailed, consistent knowledge of the actual operations of their organization, drawing on an inductive analysis of the experiences of employees working on organizational change teams. As employees build and scrutinize process maps of their organization, they develop a new comprehension of the structure and operation of their organization. What they had perceived as purposively designed, relatively stable, and largely external is revealed to be continuously produced through social interaction.
[Interesting facts time
2. in googling the author, she has the highest ratings I’ve ever seen on that student review thing for professors (as well as universally positive comments on Twitter)]
What Can Systems Thinkers Learn From an Evaluation Mindset? | Cameron D. Norman + Tara Campbell | Systems Thinking Ontario 2024-02-12 March 4, 2024 daviding
Understanding the Law of Requisite Variety
MAR 9, 2024
??PAID
Norms, processes, oprations, methods
领英推荐
MAR 9, 2024
This post features a draft of a piece of my?meta-rationality book. It is the first half of the second chapter of Part Four of the book. (Got that?)
The first chapter was an introduction to Part Four; you can read it?here.
This second chapter is an overview of meta-rational practice. It has six sections:
This post includes the first three sections. I’ll publish the second three as a separate post, so they’re each about the right length for a newsletter issue.
(Right? Or is this too long? Or would you rather have had the whole chapter at once?)
My thanks to the nine readers who signed on as paying subscribers after reading my last post! I really appreciate it. This one is part-paid: there’s a paywall about halfway through.
Meta-rational practices: Overview 1Norms, processes, operations, methodsDAVID CHAPMANMAR 9, 2024? PAID3ShareThis post features a draft of a piece of my meta-rationality book. It is the first half of the second chapter of Part Four of the book. (Got that?)The first chapter was an introduction to Part Four; you can read it here.This second chapter is an overview of meta-rational practice. It has six sections:When to get meta-rationalMeta-rational normsMeta-rational processes, operations, and methodsOpportunities for meta-rational improvementMeta-rational maximsFluid competenceThis post includes the first three sections. I’ll publish the second three as a separate post, so they’re each about the right length for a newsletter issue.(Right? Or is this too long? Or would you rather have had the whole chapter at once?)My thanks to the nine readers who signed on as paying subscribers after reading my last post! I really appreciate it. This one is part-paid: there’s a paywall about halfway through.
[In his posts, David says March 12 (Europe), March 14 (Americas), March 15 (Australia) – I suspect the US may have booked out.]
From Unfreezing-Refreezing, to Systems Changes Learning by David Ing.
John L Jerz Website II Copyright (c) 2015Brain of the Firm (Beer, 1972)
Similar treatment given to lots of other interesting complexity-related books (and others) here:
Student thesis:?Doctoral Thesis???Doctor of Philosophy
Abstract
This thesis examines the use of cybernetics (the science of systems) in music, through the tracing of an obscured history. The author postulates that cybernetic music may be thought of as genera of music in its own right, whose practitioners share a common ontology and set of working practices that distinctly differ from traditional approaches to composing electronic music. Ultimately, this critical examination of cybernetics in music provides the framework for a series of original compositions and the foundation of the further study of cybernetic music.
Cybernetics in MusicDaren PicklesFAH School of Media and Performing ArtsStudent thesis: Doctoral Thesis ? Doctor of PhilosophyAbstractThis thesis examines the use of cybernetics (the science of systems) in music, through the tracing of an obscured history. The author postulates that cybernetic music may be thought of as genera of music in its own right, whose practitioners share a common ontology and set of working practices that distinctly differ from traditional approaches to composing electronic music. Ultimately, this critical examination of cybernetics in music provides the framework for a series of original compositions and the foundation of the further study of cybernetic music.Date of Award2016Original languageEnglishAwarding InstitutionCoventry UniversitySupervisorTom Williams (Supervisor)
by?KEVIN MUNGER?on?SEPTEMBER 26, 2023
Systemic Inquiry: Innovations in Systemic Practitioner Research. Gail Simon & Alex Chard (Eds.) https://lnkd.in/dN8xxxkZ ? Systemic Therapy as Transformative Practice. Imelda McCarthy & Gail Simon (Eds.) https://lnkd.in/di9wr35F ? Towards a New ‘Fluid’ Common-Sense Understanding of Relational Becomings. John Shotter https://lnkd.in/dwUiGFfG ? A Wild Impatience. Critical Systemic Practice and Research. Gail Simon https://lnkd.in/d2Ft3TSh ? Everything is Connected Press CIC?
https://eicpress.com
?is a systemic writing, publishing and research not-for-profit which supports the independent open access journal, Murmurations: Journal of Transformative Systemic Practice?
https://murmurations.cloud
https://eicpress.com
Chris Corrigan · 6d Kurt Lewin and Field Theory I’ve been going down a bit of a rabbit hole these past few mornings, looking at some commentary and writing about Kurt Lewin. Lewin, who died in 1947 was a psychologist whose theory and resea…
The Sunday Times · 4d Let 2024 be the year our hotchpotch bureaucracy is consigned to history By Anthony Seldon
andywalmsley.blogspot.com Radio Lives - Humphrey Lyttelton “A well-known Old Etonian ex-Guards Officer jazz-trumpeter-broadcaster-cartoonist-bandleader-bird-watcher-gastrnome-humourist-panelli...
The Procurement Act Expo Landing Page - The Procurement Act Expo Procurement Act Expo Bringing together buyers and suppliers in a dynamic and collaborative environment featuring knowledge and training sessions hosted by some of Britain’s leading procurement figures and experts. Find out more The Supplier Conference Delivering an in-depth, thought leadership-inspired experience for suppliers to prepare for the changes presented by the new landscape. Find out […]
Car harm: A global review of automobility's harm to people and the environment https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0966692
www.yorkshirewillow.co.uk Willow Spiling Riverbank Stabilisation Willow spiling is a natural method of controlling erosion along streams and riverbanks. Here at Yorkshire Willow we can offer design assistance, construction advice and material delivery for willow spiling projects.
https://www.ayrfishing.co.uk/2018/10/willow-spiling-on-the-ayr/ https://englishcountrygardenscumbria.wordpress.com/project-willow-spiling/
Sad news. Harrison Owen has died https://www.chriscorrigan.com/parkinglot/harrison-owen-has-died/ That so-called “shaman” is actually Harrison Owen https://www.chriscorrigan.com/parkinglot/the-shaman-is-actually-harrison-owen/
Chris Corrigan · 3d Harrison Owen has died Harrison, one of the last times I saw him. I’m on holiday in Portugal about to start a six-day walking trip in the Algarve and I’ve just learned that Harrison Owen died yesterday. His s…
Webinar: What does it mean? Beyond connecting the dots – MARCH 28 @ 12:00 PM?–?1:30 PM?AE
T
Systems Community of Inquiry · 3d Webinar: What does it mean? Beyond connecting the dots – MARCH 28 @ 12:00 PM?–?1:30 PM?AEDT FREE DETAILS March 28, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm?AEDT Cost:Free: Chapter Events,?Webinar ORGANIZER Oceania ChapterView Organizer Website The Oceania Chapter of the System Dynamics Society Webinar Se…
The Guardian · 4d ‘This place is utterly dysfunctional’: MPs on why they’re leaving parliament By Rachel Cooke
Be My Own Boss Be My Own Boss - Protecting The Right to be Self-Employed A global movement by self-employed working people seeking to protect our right to work independently.
The Productivity Institute Rebuilding local democracy: the accountability challenge in English devolution - The Productivity Institute Identifying four different types of accountability in English devolution to help foster economic growth and productivity at a place-based level.
This EU procurement ontology for open data is - fittingly - open source. What's the UK equivalent?
GitHub - OP-TED/ePO: The eProcurement Ontology provides the formal, semantic foundation for the creation and reuse of linked open data in the domain of public procurement in the EU. https://github.com/OP-TED/ePO
GitHub GitHub - OP-TED/ePO: The eProcurement Ontology provides the formal, semantic foundation for the creation and reuse of linked open data in the domain of public procurement in the EU. The eProcurement Ontology provides the formal, semantic foundation for the creation and reuse of linked open data in the domain of public procurement in the EU. - OP-TED/ePO
BBC News Giant redwoods: World’s largest trees 'thriving in UK' A survey of giant redwoods growing in the UK reveals the trees are doing well - and growing fast.
Moving off the Map: How Knowledge of Organizational Operations Empowers and Alienates – Huising (2019)
Systems Community of Inquiry · Mar 10 Moving off the Map: How Knowledge of Organizational Operations Empowers and Alienates – Huising (2019) [I know this isn’t precisely systems thinking – though ethno-methodography has a rich and related history – but it is very interesting and relevant. See below for two interesting …
International Leadership Association · Jan 12 Leadership and the Devaluation of the Mundane – A Conversation With Keith Grint ILA Lifetime Achievement Awardee Keith Grint shares his latest research on leadership and the devaluation of the mundane - the reciprocal process of extraordinarization.
This mug I drink from when I'm at my dad's (acquired from Brent Anti-Apartheid movement in about 1983) is in a museum. Strange feeling. Bristol City Council : Museum Collections https://museums.bristol.gov.uk/details.php?irn=384718
This version is simply labelled 'Anti-Apartheid Movement', and there's a version in the collection of Te Papa Tongarewa (the Museum of New Zealand - a *fantastic* museum) which has a whole history connected with the movement against sports tours in Apartheid South Africa. https://bit.ly/3wPcFyY
museums.bristol.gov.uk Bristol City Council : Museum Collections An introduction to our collections- index page
Moving off the Map: How Knowledge of Organizational Operations Empowers and Alienates – Huising (2019) https://stream.syscoi.com/2024/03/10/moving-off-the-map-how-knowledge-of-organizational-operations-empowers-and-alienates-huising-2019/
"examines how employees become spontaneously empowered and alienated by detailed, consistent knowledge of the actual operations of their organization"
Why Do People Fail to Adopt Better Management Methods? | Curious Cat Management Improvement Blog John Hunter @curiouscat has been producing this quality of content since 2004. 2004! And somehow I've been reading him pretty much all this time. Him, Shelley's (?) Measurement Blog, Knowledge Jolt with Jack - all stone cold classics. And probably recommended to me by Jack Schofield when he was at the Guardian, I suspect!
management.curiouscatblog.net Why Do People Fail to Adopt Better Management Methods? | Curious Cat Management Improvement Blog
Stimuli and Responses: Understanding the Law of Requisite Variety – Ivo Velitchkov (2004) (Part free, seven day free trial – Substack)
Systems Community of Inquiry · Mar 9 Stimuli and Responses: Understanding the Law of Requisite Variety – Ivo Velitchkov (2004) (Part free, seven day free trial – Substack) Understanding the Law of Requisite Variety IVO VELITCHKOV MAR 9, 2024 ??PAID Stimuli and Responses – by Ivo Velitchkov – Link & Think
Remembering Yugoslavia Tours ? Remembering Yugoslavia Travel in the country that no longer exists. Yugoslavia: From the Cradle to the Grave is a journey through the history of a disappeared country. Tito: Life and Legacy is a whirlwind ride through the life, accomplishments, and legacy of... Continue Reading →