This framework is adapted from the work of Trish Greenhalgh on the diffusion of innovation. Her classic meta-narrative included the original figure from which this framework was adapted. There’s a rumour that the original was sketched on the back of a napkin.
Let it happen: This approach is spontaneous and organic, suitable for simple problems where solutions emerge naturally without much intervention. It relies on the self-organizing nature of systems and is characterized by unpredictability and uncertainty.
Consider the problem of cleaning up and making safe a public park to support its use by the neighbourhood. If we let it happen by allowing solutions to emerge, use of the park might improve because people spontaneously start using the park and informally share their positive experiences with neighbors. This spread through word-of-mouth highly is unpredictable.
Make it happen: This strategy can be applied in complicated situations where deliberate planning, regulation, and engineering are necessary, e.g., sending a rocket to the moon (Cake Rocket Child). It is a controlled approach where outcomes are managed, and processes are designed to achieve specific goals.
When a city decides to clean up a park, it may try to make it happen through deliberate planning, regulation, and engineering. Authorities tend to implement strict plans and rules, engineer park layout for safety, and may increase security patrols. This is a controlled, top-down strategy to manage outcomes and achieve specific, predefined goals. Given the complexity of a neighborhood and its population, there may be unintended consequences. For example, the presence of security patrols may make some residents feel less safe based on their prior experience.
Help it happen: This method should be used in complex systems change, where change cannot be entirely controlled or left to chance. It involves facilitating change by influencing, enabling, and negotiating within the system to guide change processes. This approach recognizes the complexity of systems and works within them to help direct the change in a beneficial direction.
This approach to increasing park usage would bring leaders and community members to work together to guide its transformation. A collaborative, iterative, and adaptive process would allow the park to evolve based on learning and shared ownership.
Deeper Dive
- Greenhalgh T, G Robert, F Macfarlane, P Bate, O Kyriakidou. Diffusion of innovations in service organizations: systematic review and recommendations. Milbank Q. 82(4):581-629, 2004.
Related Frameworks
- Complexity Theory of Outcome Creation: a strategy to help change happen
- Motivational Engagement: a more detailed description of ways to engage others