Launching a successful Grand Challenge requires managing several critical elements. In past issues, I’ve covered: the Grand Challenge Upward Spiral, Creating a Social Movement, Ecosystem Activation, and more. Today, I want to discuss The Grand Challenge Systems Model for Change.
I created this model by heavily drawing on the work of Kenneth McLeroy. In 1988, McLeroy and his team wrote a report called “An Ecological Perspective on Health Promotion Programs,” which was effectively used by the CDC to design healthcare interventions. Making a few tweaks, I adapted McLeroy’s report for use in developing and executing Grand Challenges.
The Grand Challenge Systems Model for Change addresses six areas of influence that must be addressed for success:
- Personal Beliefs
- Interpersonal Relationships
- Regional Communities
- Professional Communities
- Places of Work
- Local, State & Federal Policies
One of the first Grand Challenges I helped conceive, design, and execute was “Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation,” under the leadership of Marla Weston. She, at the time, was CEO of the American Nurses Association. The goal of Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation was to measurably improve the health of America’s 4 million nurses and, by extension, the nation.
In this video, I use Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation as an example of applying the Grand Challenge Systems Model for Change. Watch the video above to gain an understanding of:
- What and how do an individual’s personal beliefs and interpersonal relationships impact grand challenge engagement
- Identifying communities of influence
- The role of government in grand challenge execution
Be sure to download the infographic here.
Are you planning or leading a grand challenge or other systemic change initiatives? I’d love to talk. Email me to schedule a call.
