Adaptive Action Explained

Action Adaptive Planning is an iterative method of planning which includes three questions:

• What? - In this first step, we collect the relevant data, we can observe in the environment to bring out the dynamic solution to the current state of things. What are the patterns we observe and what do we know of their impact on the system?
• So what? - Can we look at the data collected in order to understand? In doing so, we develop our understanding of the "image" of the current status and begin to explore and plan the next steps. We examine the impact of these systemic patterns on the whole, the party and the largest group, and the conditions that have generated these patterns, and options for action that could change to make the system more adaptive, more sustainable and more fit.
• Now What? – In this step we implement the solutions, and then we stop for a second inspection to measure the impact of our actions. By monitoring and asking us where we are and what to do next, we begin the next cycle of the Adaptive Action process three steps to collect and analyze data to inform the next steps becomes a continuous cycle that can be performed at all levels of the system. This is very similar to models such as " Plan- Do-Check -Act " that are used in a number of approaches to change management. There are, however, fundamental differences that make single Adaptive Action:

- We assume that the issues are rooted in the dynamics , examining modes of decision making and interactions

The - pattern analysis focuses on understanding the conditions that generate these patterns 

- Some possibilities for action can emerge from decisions to magnify or counteract the current trends influencing environmental conditions. 

-Other possibilities for action can emerge from decisions aimed at shaping new patterns by changing environmental conditions towards greater sustainability and relevance (fitness ) .

 - The planning process is intended to be iterative and non- linear, which means that the cycle never ends. Each "Now What?” results in a new "What?" and recovery and a new cycle.

- This continuous cycle can be done in the space of a heartbeat or the duration of a longitudinal study.

- This cycle continues, this infinite loop also requires that we remain in a position of researcher, alert mind, always open to what we can learn from the dynamics that swirls around us.

In a human system, deep and lasting change can occur when individuals and groups use multiple cycles connected Adaptive Action to shape their own models of productivity and performance to support the overall objectives of the system and accepted. This orientation and shared action is what we call the coherence of the system is an approach that is 'active' more efficient and productive than the traditional strategic planning.

In this video, Glenda Eoyang , founder of HSD area , speaks - in English - of the Action Adaptive Adaptive Action .

Translated by Anne Lemaire 

Brussels, 29 August 2013

See the next page to read the French version of this blog post.