Jennifer van der Meer’s Post

My first exposure to #systemsthinking was with Peter Senge’s '#TheFifthDiscipline' during my early days in organisation consulting. Senge’s insights were transformative, teaching me two critical lessons: 🌍#System: A system is a set of variables interacting over time under certain rules that establish patterns of behaviour. 🔄#Systemschange, then, is about shifting the conditions that sustain problems in these systems Upon my transition into the philanthropic sector 4 years ago, through my peers, I began to witness the growing importance of embracing #ecosystemlevelshift, a shift that is not only significant but also urgent for our the various issues that humanity is facing. So, to achieve meaningful impact, we must take action at three distinct levels, each crucial to our collective success. 🏗️ #StructuralChanges: Explicit changes in policies, practices, and resources that redefine the framework within which we operate. 🤝 #RelationalChanges: Semi-explicit shifts that enhance how entities within the system relate and cooperate towards mutual goals. 🧠 #TransformativeChanges: Implicit shifts in the mental models that shape stakeholders' perceptions and actions. From our analysis on better ways towards #ecosystemshift, I think there are two roles we can particularly play to achieve the above: #TheSystemsMapper: To identify and map out the elements and interactions within the system, clarifying where impactful interventions can occur. #TheCommunicator and #Orchestrator: Helping stakeholders distil complex information and transforming how they perceive and act upon data. What role have you been playing towards ecosystem shift and development? What are the effective tools for systems mapping that others are using? What are cases of ecosystem transformation you're facilitated? Please DM me would love to learn from your experience. #systemschange #ecosystemdevelopment #ecosystemmapping Credits: conditions of system change by John Kania and Mark Kramer Pic: Alyna Grubnayk

We celebrate the release of RoadMap is Consulting's new report, "Practicing Liberation," authored by network members Brigette Rouson and Clay Smith. This groundbreaking report is a comprehensive assessment of the current moment, providing invaluable tools, analysis, and connective wisdom to support the journey towards equity and liberation. "Practicing Liberation" is the result of extensive interviews, surveys, case studies, and deep thinking, making it a must-read for anyone committed to social justice and transformative change. The report offers powerful insights on how to most effectively support clients in advancing societal equity and liberation. We are also honored and grateful for the recognition given to Leadership Reimagined for our contributions to this important work. Collaborating on this report has been a testament to the power of collective effort and shared vision. Thank you, RoadMap Consulting, Brigette Rouson, and Clay Smith, for your dedication and commitment to creating a more equitable and just world. We look forward to continuing this vital work together. 📖 Read the report and join us in practicing liberation! https://lnkd.in/e8CMr_vK #PracticingLiberation #RoadMapConsulting #Equity #SocialJustice #LeadershipReimagined #TransformativeChange #CollectiveEffort #LiberationTools --

Developing Future #ESG Leaders - #Ecosystems #Thinking >> #Systems #Change >> that Strengthen Supply Chain Ecosystems to reduce ESG-related risks. Multi-stakeholder #Partnerships in support of the Sustainable Development Goals and Social Transitioning. Driving Sustainable Development Goal 17, (SDG17). Interesting read: https://bit.ly/45Ez4uN

Balancing Purpose and Complexity: Navigating the Tension Between Giving Back and Addressing Deep Challenges From the moment I decided to name the framework RoundMap (’ROUNDMAP’), a desire emerged to create a symbol that truly captured its essence. Through many iterations, four versions stood out, each representing my understanding at different stages of this journey. But as my understanding deepened, I realized I was losing sight of something crucial: the original reason I created the framework. It wasn’t just about giving back after recovering from cancer, although that was a significant part of it. It was about something deeper—a profound empathy for the countless individuals who are made to believe that their highest purpose is to act as voiceless cogs in a vast machine, serving a system that prioritizes the endless pursuit of wealth for the privileged few. I saw how capitalism, in its current form, often fails to honor the dignity and potential of every human being. To truly address these systemic flaws, I knew I had to first understand them from within. Looking back, the symbols of RoundMap reflect this journey of understanding: from a compass guiding the way, to an all-seeing eye acknowledging the broader view, to an acceptance of the cultural divides that exist, and now, to the wisdom that recognizes the need for inclusive decision-making that reaches beyond the confines of any single organization. The RoundMap journey is not just about fixing what’s broken—it’s about envisioning a world where businesses serve as catalysts for good, empowering people, honoring their voices, and fostering a system that truly serves everyone.

Really looking forward to this discussion today! Do come along if you can and join the debate on how we can transform the Social Innovation Sector to deliver the SDGs.

#UnsustainableHumor Series - Week 27 Last week's post in this series was focused on one of biggest and the most silent killer of innovation - Bureaucracy! For this week's post, I wanted to focus on the effect of trends in development space. At different points in time, a few development issues gain prominence over all others. Disproportionate donor funds flow in that direction. Big teams are hired and put together for implementation...you get the drift! The result? Definitely some traction, some good results, and a lot of learning around what works and what doesn't. Then? Other issues become trendy to focus on. Direction of fund flow changes. The cycle repeats. The overall result? Fragmented and partial progress on multiple fronts at the expense of systemic and sustainable change. No balance. Who suffers? The public who is supposed to be the real beneficiary of it all. What do you think are the reasons for such an imbalanced approach? #Innovation #SustainableDevelopment #SocialImpact #Narratives #WhatCanIGive

"How can public innovators help unlock public debate, reopen options? Perhaps first by recognizing the intrinsically political nature of public innovation, the fact that there is no single way to transform the public sector, and that we need to make explicit the values and theories of change we intend to carry forward collectively. If we fail to exploit existing margins for manoeuvre (even when they are narrow), we run the risk of participating in this depoliticization. Even when points of view are very far apart, we shouldn’t be afraid of them, but rather find an interest in them! As far upstream as possible, we need to try and set up controversies, use the power of history, remind people of collective responsibility, talk about responsibilities, geopolitics and current power structures. The aim is to hold up a mirror to the organization, to show it the concrete effects of the paradigms in place." 👏 👏 👏 #repoliticization

What if we start looking at people from a technological standpoint? Let's simplify: organizations are networks, networks are communities, and communities are made up of people. People form nodes, as hives, clusters capable of generating energy for the network, united by purpose. With that in mind, how can we not only improve the way we manage resources but also embrace collaboration? Well, culture eats strategy for breakfast. We could spend thousands of dollars in closed rooms designing the perfect marketing plan to address all the issues regarding technology adoption, or… Instead of that, resources can be directed towards distributed networks, providing equitable access to assets that will accelerate growth by nurturing not just the development, but the engagement in the ecosystem. At Tools for the Commons, we not only believe in fair distribution but also in shared wealth, ensuring priority in critical areas that will contribute to collective growth. We are tools for the commons, the pathway for emerging countries to the ascending world Join us now and gain early access to our community. Access our website below!

We see communities around the world use storytelling for innovation every day to strengthen their capacity for long-term change. By sharing crucial knowledge and tools through media, we empower people to improve their quality of life and their community. The recent celebration of World Creativity and Innovation Day reminds us how valuable this kind of innovation is. Everett Rogers studied the success of farmers who adopted innovations versus those who didn’t and saw a distinct difference. Through this work, he developed what is now known as the Diffusion of Innovations Theory, which proves increasingly crucial for the advancement of our society today, from farmers to artists to world leaders. The five factors that influence the adoption of innovation are: - Knowledge - Persuasion - Decision - Implementation - Confirmation Diffusion of innovation — a theory that explains how ideas spread over time — helps us understand where community members are in the process of adopting new ideas. We then design responses that meet them where they are. This enables us to bring opportunities for dialogue and innovations that can be adopted and spread from one person to another. How do you apply innovations in your life? #Creativity #Innovation #EverettRogers #DiffusionOfInnovationsTheory #SustainableFarming #Sustainability

Title: The Silver Lining of Misinformation: Sparking Innovation for a United Future In an era where misinformation often clouds public discourse, it's easy to overlook the potential silver linings that accompany these challenging times. Historically, humanity has thrived on the challenge of correcting misconceptions. Today's misinformation can prompt critical thinking and problem-solving, encouraging individuals and communities to seek out truth and develop innovative solutions to societal issues. The concept of positive misinformation suggests that certain misunderstandings can trigger a search for knowledge, leading to advancements in sustainable technology. This process not only corrects the initial misinformation but also propels humanity forward by fostering a culture of inquiry and resilience. Moreover, confronting misinformation collectively can strengthen societal bonds. As diverse groups come together to uncover truth and develop innovative ideas, a shared sense of purpose and community emerges. This unity, born from the challenge of overcoming misinformation, can pave the way for a more collaborative and harmonious global society. By embracing the opportunity to challenge unfounded beliefs and collaborate on creative solutions, we can transform potential adversity into a force for good. The journey from misinformation to innovation is not just about correcting false narratives; it's about building a better world through shared knowledge and collective action. Remember, in the quest for truth and advancement, every misconception corrected is a step towards the unity and betterment of our global community. Let us embrace the journey with open minds, knowing that together, we can turn the tides of misinformation into waves of progress that lift all of humanity.