Complex challenges like traffic safety, substance misuse, and mental health can’t be “solved” using traditional problem solving techniques. Similarly, a problem solving approach isn’t the way to grow a culture of innovation and effectiveness in an organization. These are adaptive challenges. We need to involve diverse stakeholders from various sectors within communities or layers within an organization. To do this, engagement is key.
Getting people engaged is not easy – especially when everyone has so many priorities pulling at their time. We must help people see and be motivated by the gap between current outcomes (i.e., what is happening now) and what we want as outcomes.
For example, in 2022, the roadway fatality rate in the US was 128 fatalities per one million population. That is much higher than other countries like Canada (50/M), Great Britain (26/M), and Australia (46/M). In fact, the US ranks 85th among countries for roadway fatality rates. Furthermore, roadway crashes are a leading cause of death for people ages 5 to 21 in the US – yet another reason for concern.
In our work at Banyan Collaborative, we often begin projects by crafting speaking points that clearly articulate the concern regarding a specific issue. The more we can help people “see” the gap between current performance or outcomes and what they want, the more likely we are to engage them in efforts to improve.
But raising concern is not enough. We also need to create a space for what’s possible – a path forward. Without a path forward, people can become overwhelmed and withdraw. We often call this “hope” – a will and a way forward. We also recognize this as creating “generativity” – a space that enables creativity and innovation to take place. Complex problems don’t have known solutions, so creativity and innovation are critical.
Generativity is a fascinating concept and somewhat hard to define. We have spent a lot of time exploring this idea and honing our “generative skills.” In a nutshell, it is about approaching complex issues in ways that foster energy, creativity, and learning to sustain efforts through failures and move towards better outcomes. It is about identifying a generative purpose that connects with people and why they do what they do.
Are you facing challenges in growing engagement on your issue? Are you feeling stuck and not in a generative space? Please contact us if you would like to explore how we could assist you.