Paradigm Shifts

Intervening at the paradigm level means changing many of the standard ways we think about organizing and operating in complex systems. These frameworks can help you cultivate better mental models for doing that.

Paradigm shifts are fundamental changes in how we design, implement, and evaluate systems. They might involve (or even require) big changes to our mindsets and shared values.

Many governance structures were designed for complicated systems, where using recipes to get certain outcomes is reasonable. These approaches often fall short in the face of increasing complexity. While complicated systems traditionally emphasize individual performance (Accountability to Learning) and strictly following rules (Rules to Principles), complex systems thrive when the focus shifts to individual agency, continuous improvement, collective performance, and the ability to adapt (Alignment to Coherence).

Intervening in these ways means actively promoting self-reflection, embracing (instead of punishing) failure, and encouraging experimentation to discover novel solutions (Accountability to Learning). It’s about learning and evolving together, rather than trying to hit predefined targets and blaming someone when we don’t. It’s about embracing guiding principles (Rules to Principles) that are coherent, harmonized, adaptive, and flexible, allowing for multiple approaches and enabling individuals to use informed judgment (Information and Agency). This shift cultivates an environment where processes are as vital as outcomes and individuals have the autonomy to navigate complexity.

Shifts in learning, agency, and principles must be based on relationships between interest holders rather than specific transactions (Transactional to Relational).  A transactional approach is steeped in simple trust, a relational one benefits from efforts to build authentic trust (Process of Building Trust, Types of Trust).

Frameworks in this collection