Eight Mindsets for Making an Impact
Image copyright by Joel Worthington (@thephototypinglife)
As described more fully in my previous blog post, a human-centered systems design approach is core to how we think and do. Design methods might get the most press, but it’s our most valued mindsets that truly set the tone for how we create value for and with clients and partners. It’s not just about a hand-off of expertise codified in a deliverable but a transference of new ways of working, transformative mindsets, and, yes, design methods that can lead to more sustainable change for those ultimately responsible for it. These are the eight mindsets that drive us and create value with our collaborators:
Collaborate inclusively and openly. Collaboration is at the heart of our model - rooted in co-creation and participatory design principles (engaging our clients and those they serve in the process). Thinking and making out loud, together, produces more sustainable results. We believe the best ideas emerge from the collision of diverse interests, perspectives, experiences, and abilities.
Shape big changes by starting with purpose. Not every challenge requires major change or transformation, but when it does, you have to think differently about purpose regardless of scale. Further, we don’t believe successful change happens by edict. It requires a movement, not just a moment.
Understand human needs and honor realities. To find the best answer, we empathetically look to understand the root and complexity of the problem. Starting with human need as the basis for solution design while honoring realities makes for outcomes that are actually optimized for the real world.
Solve thoughtfully for the right problems. We question with an open mind. We listen with openness to having our minds changed about what we assumed to be the answer.
Generate inspiration beyond industry conventions. We look for inspiration in unusual places rather than just relying on leading practices within an industry. The game is changing, and the old rules won’t (or already don’t) apply anymore. Many, diverse perspectives help us get to better ideas and avoid blind spots.
Design iteratively. The ultimate goal of any design – physical, strategic, collaboration model, etc. – is to encourage users to integrate a solution into their lives, and, most of the time, designs fall short of this goal in their first iteration. This is why we prefer to test concepts with users (repeatedly if possible), so we can refine them until we get it right.
Appeal to hearts and minds. Storytelling is essential to articulating vision, concepts, and recommendations. Compelling visuals and clear, concise communication are equally critical to making insights understandable, meaningful, and actionable. The rationale must be desirable, feasible, and viable.
Scale, spread, and align throughout. Intentionally building support, engendering trust, and cultivating a sense of ownership along the way to ensure buy-in to the final solution are all essential.
In a recent testimonial, Minni Marwaha, most recently the former VP of Core Innovation at Advocate Aurora Health, wrote, “[Joel is] everything you want in an advisor – empathetic yet steadfast in his viewpoint, approaches challenges as the glass being half full, and he’s easy going which makes tough issues easier to navigate.” To me, this was the perfect encapsulation of how our mindsets inform and translate into client/partner interaction. We do this by constantly asking questions like:
How might we deliver expertise yet remain inclusive and open-minded?
How might we aspire to create upstream, structural change but be realistic about downstream constraints and consequences as we think about execution?
How might we build genuine, borderless relationships with colleagues, clients, and customers to enable unique collaborations and perspectives to drive new ways of thinking and doing?
What mindsets drive your work? Do you share any of the above or have a different take? We’d love to hear from you.
To learn more, email Joel directly at joel@jwcollaborative.com or see jwcollaborative.com.