In a world of wicked problems, we need each other.
If I’ve learned anything in my work on Grand Challenges, it is how difficult it can be to take on systemic issues. Alone, it would be impossible. We need each other.
In response, I began building a community of practice designed for people tackling Grand Challenges. We continue to connect, learn from each other, and move our work forward. “Watch this space,” as they say–I have grand plans for this community going forward.
Looking back, the first cycle of my contributions as a thought leader in Grand Challenge work is now complete. This post concludes that cycle, which consists of a series of blog posts detailing my Grand Challenge methodology.
In the Beginning…
I began posting articles providing background about my work with Grand Challenges in the summer of 2023, with these two essays:
- Why I Facilitate Grand Challenges, June 22, 2023
- Grand Challenges: Background, Impact, and Implications, July 12, 2023
Then I began rolling out the material I teach when I consult with organizations eager to tackle a Grand Challenge. This post gives the overview:
Upward Spiral: A Grand Challenge Methodology, August 23, 2023
The Grand Challenge Upward Spiral: Three Patterns
The Upward Spiral is a metaphor and a model. It is comprised of three patterns, differentiated by color and placement on the spiral:
- Group Learning: Five key themes for group study make up this pattern. (in orange, the front of the spiral)
- Group Action: I have adapted Christine Economos’s ten key elements of a successful social movement into a model for addressing a Grand Challenge, grouping her ten elements into three phases. (in blue, the back of the spiral)
- Touchstone Events: Events drive progress; these gatherings are critical to a Grand Challenge initiative. (dark blue “landings” that appear at intervals on the left side of the spiral)
Here’s the rationale behind these intertwined patterns: A key attribute of Grand Challenge work is that the problems addressed are emergent and chaotic. Therefore, action cannot wait until learning is complete, because there will never be a point when learning stops. Action must begin while learning continues. And, people must come together periodically–in person, if possible. Touchstone Events harness and direct the social bonding and synergy that happen uniquely when people land in “meet-space” together. Together, Group Learning, Group Action, and Touchstone Events drive forward the work of a Grand Challenge.
Two Ways of Seeing the Methodology
When I teach my Grand Challenge methodology, I follow the sequence of the Upward Spiral shown in the graphic above. Follow this link to view an index of articles on Medium in the original sequence. If you want to share the methodology with a group, this will be useful.
But perhaps it’s easier to see how the patterns are differentiated from each other when presented in tabular format. Either way, you look at it, it’s a curriculum that you can use and share.
Group Learning:
Key Themes
Group Action:
Christine Economos’s 10 Keys for Elements for Creating a Social Movement
Touchstone Events:
Gatherings that Catalyze Grand Challenges
In Grand Challenges, Touchstone Events Drive Progress (part 1 of 2)
Unlock the Power of Events to Drive Dramatic Forward Progress (part 2 of 2)
Use the Collective Impact Model to Inspire Aligned Action
Strategic Foresight: How to See Around Corners
Enmeshed in Systems? Change the Gears (part 1 of 2)
Want to Drive Change? Recognize Interdependencies (part 2 of 2)
Tackle Wicked Problems with Ecosystem Activation
Creating a Social Movement with Grand Challenges
Creating a Social Movement: Frame and Build the Case
Creating a Social Movement? Gather Allies!
Creating a Social Movement? Implement the Plan
I provide a diagnostic tool to help groups assess their readiness to execute these elements. Diagostic tool
Case Studies
Occasionally, I interspersed case studies about Grand Challenges I have facilitated with those blog posts about my Grand Challenge methodology. These are:
- Thriving Earth Exchange: A Grand Challenge for Community Science, December 13, 2023
- Grand Challenge Case Study: Inteleos Ultrasound Proficiency, September 6, 2023
- Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation Challenge Five Years In, March 8, 2024
- Shatterproof Leads the Charge in Eradicating Addiction Stigma Across America, January 24, 2024
In the days ahead I will be writing a book on Grand Challenges, starting a podcast, and putting together a professional gathering for those who are interested in leading Grand Challenges here in Washington, DC, where I make my home. I will be sharing this content through Medium, with, every week or so, a short highlight video followed by a few thoughts to lay the ground for the podcast that you’ll find in the link included.
Solving social problems is inherently SOCIAL-it happens in community. I’m looking for researchers, academicians, and those on the front lines who are battling overwhelming issues. The community will include leaders in all aspects of society: nonprofits, corporations, government agencies, independent agents, and thought leaders.
If you’re passionate about Grand Challenges or would like to be, visit my Medium account, where I am publishing on Grand Challenges. Let’s work together to address these sticky, systemic, complex, and wicked issues once and for all, for the sake of future generations of life on Earth.
Do you want to know more?
Email me – seth@visionaryleadership.com.
