The Planning Lady

Elizabeth Sawin in her book Multisolving acknowledges that systems cannot easily be created or destroyed, but that there are ways to steer systems in a better direction. Chapter 8 of her book is devoted to the strategies for steering systems and ends with how to steer systems with multisolving in mind.

I would agree that systems can be steered, however the most complex or engrained systems will be far more challenging to steer than something more simple. For example, I can (after much practice) steer the ecosystem in my yard. By adding soil amendments, rotating crops, and adding or holding back watering I can change how my garden grows.

The chapter focused on simple rules which are active phrases that describe the resulting system patterns. I looked up our city initiatives and converted them into simple rules as an example:

• Lead with evidence
• Communicate proactively in your daily work
• Serve the public with compassion
• Be accountable for your work
• Look for opportunities in your work

Sawin also identifies two primary world views that shape every system–Collection of Objects (older, more damaging) and Web of Relationships (newer, equitable, inclusive). Finding examples in everyday life of each type of worldview can be challenging. Collection of Objects can be seen in the way Amazon operates or in cities that are very automobile focused with their transportation system. Systems that support shopping local like at a coop or the Master Water Stewards program are more in line with the Web of Relationships world view.

In the reflection section, she asks readers to begin by envisioning wild success in some area of work or life. I am currently working on Lincoln’s first Poverty Elimination Action Plan, a mandate of LB840 from the Nebraska State Legislature. As I’ve been hosting listening sessions and getting feedback from residents, a few commented “end poverty? Is that even possible?” If I’m envisioning a wild success in my work, that would be possible. It would be a world where all Lincolnites have access to the jobs, housing, and services they need to lead a successful life. The transit system would be connected and efficient allowing residents to get to their destinations when they need, connecting them to jobs, affordable housing, groceries, medical care, and other daily needs.

The poverty crisis is very much influenced by the Collection of Objects world view which sees the world as a collection of separate objects, explains events in a linear fashion, organizes the world in a hierarchy with able-bodied, straight, rich, white men at the top, and feels problems can be solved by breaking them down into simpler parts. None of these ways of thinking help to alleviate poverty which is a complex issue with numerous causes. In working on the Poverty Plan it’s clear that this issue requires redundancy, complex networks, and a nuanced approach to begin to address it.

Conversely, an example of a Web of Relationships system that brings health, healing, and hope are programs like the Master Water Stewards which train residents interested in improving their local water system in best management practices. Over time, this has created a network of water stewards that volunteer, educate, and work towards improving their watersheds. The impacts of this work cascade out by improving biodiversity, lessening flooding, increasing the health of the ecosystem, and getting residents involved in shaping their neighborhoods.