How to develop Options and support Opportunities

The techniques and frameworks of Do No Harm are not simply about understanding a context more completely. They demand action. We do not intervene to avoid impact. We intervene precisely in order to create change.

With a team:

Step I: Decide what you are trying to change

Having done a Dividers and Connectors Analysis, you know that some of them are changing.

Step II: Use the patterns of the ABCs to note why Dividers and Connectors are changing

Using the patterns of the ABCs, ask why the Dividers and Connectors are changing in the ways you have identified.

Step III: Brainstorm Options and Opportunities

Having identified the patterns at work, use the patterns to guide your creativity.

Plenary. Everybody shares ideas and the ideas are collected on a flip chart

Buzz Groups. In groups of two or three, write down ideas. Come together in plenary and capture ideas on flip chart for discussion

Individual

Write down the two or three most significant changing Dividers (or Connectors)
Write one sentence about each pattern you observe
Come up with at least one idea for altering or supporting the pattern

Step IV: Discuss

Are these the right patterns? Be specific. How do you know? Figuring out how you know when change takes place is a way to develop indicators.

Step V: Review your Options and Opportunities

Are your Options and Opportunities linked to the patterns you identified? If not, go back and try again.

If your changes do not have the effect you anticipate, do you have a back-up Option? Do you have a process for learning why a change has not had the impact you expect?

Prioritizing Options and Opportunities

There are three main considerations for prioritizing options.

The patterns. People always come up with great ways to make the intervention better. These ideas are valuable, but when faced by conflict or the potential for violence, the focus of the options must be on the conflict. If an option does not address the identified patterns, then put it aside for now.
Time. Options that take less time to implement are generally better. Results will be observed more quickly and will give you opportunities to iterate. Take note of those that might take more time and keep them on hold if you need them. You can work on both short time-frame options and long time-frame ones at the same time.
Resources. Can you actually implement the options you have generated?

Do not lose or discard the options you generate but don’t use immediately! You might want to return to them—sometimes sooner than you might wish.

Teamwork

Work with your team. The more people you involve, the more options you will have from more perspectives, and the more likely you will find the right option for your context. No idea is too wacky (especially when thinking about responding to Theft). Use Critical Detail Mapping to flesh out good or interesting ideas.

Teamwork also helps you prioritize, especially if local staff are involved in the discussion. Local staff can often readily identify which options would work and which would not in a specific context.

Previous Page Using the Patterns of the ABCs
Next Page Prioritizing Options and Opportunities