Category: Tools and techniques
05
Nov
Reflections on developing a SenseMaker framework to understand company culture
We spent last week working on a new narrative research framework using SenseMaker® with a new client – a quick snapshot of the organisation ahead of a big leadership and organisational design event in a month’s time. The week started with a workshop to explore the issue and the potential angles for the SenseMaker® triads, dyads, […]
25
Jun
Five days left to save up to 35% on Complexity Course
With spaces filling up, just a quick reminder – if you’re thinking about coming to our extended exploration of complexity in development, the Early Bird discount closes in a few days on 30th June 2018. For details of the course, there’s this blog and this brochure. Early Bird discount means almost £700 per head for groups […]
29
May
Complexity in development – a new kind of course, booking open now
For decision-makers and policy experts in aid and development, complexity in development has become a critical factor. It is both an opportunity for new approaches to old problems and a threat as standard approaches reach the limits of their effectiveness and efficacy. With that in mind, Narrate and Mesopartner have joined forces to offer a […]
29
Oct
Mrs Trellis, red-shirts and savings – the limits of text analysis
I’ve just finished Tim Harford‘s excellent Messy (paperback just out) alongside Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa‘s The Leopard and both have thrown up examples of phrases that brought a smile to my face and, along with an example from a conference earlier this year, highlight one of my concerns about automatic forms of text analysis. To be […]
07
Mar
Nudging people towards latrines
Nice article today on the WorldBank and its behavioural change aims – my favourite piece was this: Toilets, for example. Nowhere is open defecation more prominent than in India, where more than 600 million people have no access to a toilet. But even where proper sanitation has been installed, “people tend not to want to […]
14
Jan
Last day to save on the new SenseMaker® courses in London
I’m spending a chunk of today working up a new framework for a new SenseMaker® project. These days it’s a task that takes time and thought, but I still remember the first time I had to build one – it was for this Pfizer project. Even with the help of Ron Donaldson and Ruth Needham […]
09
Dec
Following up on the Cynefin and Sense-Making course…
Last week saw the last Cynefin and Sense-Making (CSM) courses of the year, Dave and I sharing the presenting/facilitating duties. A full room of different backgrounds and nationalities, which kept everything interesting – lessons and applications getting swapped across sectors and countries. Following up is always a challenge – so much intense material often needs […]
12
Sep
Washington DC – courses coming up in September 2014
Early bird discount's finished, but there's still time to book on the upcoming Washington DC Cognitive Edge courses – which would be highly recommended even if I weren't teaching with Michael Cheveldave. (I won't be there for the Narrative day on 2nd October, though – I'll have gone to Ottawa by then to work with […]
29
Aug
Policy-making, government and Cynefin – a new 2-day course
There's a new course coming up – one relevant for anyone interested in public organisations, government and policy-making in uncertain times. Luckily, I'm getting to support the course – I'll be getting to co-teach with Thomas Townsend in Ottawa in early October. The course will be running at HUB Ottawa 71 Bank Street, 6th Floor […]
16
Jun
Consulting on The Emperor’s new clothes
I've noticed I have a tendency to dismiss certain approaches, particularly newer ones that may not have a decent body of theory based on good science behind them, as "the Emperor's new clothes." For those who don't know the story, here's Danny Kaye to explain: (Yes, that's a cheap shot to include a childhood favourite…) […]