Patterns NOT problems!
Some problems will never be solved. Social injustice, poverty, prejudice and greed have always been with us, and they will never go away. It may seem counterintuitive, but such a realization can bring hope. If a solution is impossible, we can be free to explore lots of promising possibilities. We can see, and begin to shift, the patterns within and between our intractable problems. We can discover many ways to shift those patterns toward new opportunities and positive pathways.
Engaging with patterns, we can:
- Zoom in or out to see the problem in contexts that may not be totally intractable.
- Forge relationships with others who share concerns but have competing goals.
- Appreciate the power of butterflies--tiny changes that can prompt massive change in complex systems.
- Turn our attention to facets of the problem that we may be able to shift.
- Appreciate small changes that are catalytic, not incremental.
Seeing and shifting patterns of intractable problems requires both theory and practice. Some gifted individuals intuitively see and shift patterns. Others need models and methods to make sense and take action together. On October 14 and 15, Stewart Wallis and I will explore the boundaries of his practice and my theory of human systems dynamics to see how he has shifted patterns and engaged with intractable problems throughout his illustrious career in international development and economics. Join us! Patterns of Systemic Dynamical Transformation