If you want to solve a social problem, alleviating symptoms and "scaling" your organization are not going to work. You need to change the social systems that are responsible for the problem in the first place. You need a different strategy. Here are three formats to get started:
Quick Review
You receive high-level feedback on your impact strategy and tips for next steps.
Format: video call
Duration: 1.5 hours
Result: feedback covers
- clarity and comprehensiveness of your understanding of the system that you want to change
- ideas for how you can continue the strategy process
- ideas for how you could generate more indirect impact and more impact on a systems level
Workshop
Your team develops part of a systems change strategy. Donors and partners can participate, too.
Format: facilitated workshop
Duration: 4 or 8 hours
Result: 1 or 2 of the following:
- Root cause analysis
- Targeted Systems Change
- Systems Change Journey (a theory of change with milestones that is easy to communicate)
- Portfolio of concrete ideas for initiatives to achieve the first milestones, including systemic networks
Strategy Process
We follow the process that I developed for Globalizer, Ashoka's flagship strategy program.
Format: video calls + homework
Duration: 8-12 weeks
Result: systems change strategy
- Root cause analysis
- Targeted Systems Change
- Systems Change Journey (a theory of change with milestones that is easy to communicate)
- Portfolio of concrete ideas for initiatives to achieve the first milestones, including systemic networks
"Odin is a genius."Kendis Paris, Ashoka Fellow, Founder & CEO, Truckers Against Trafficking
"Odin, we are going to name one of our centers after you!"Karima Grant, Ashoka Fellow and Executive Director, ImagiNation Afrika
"It was awesome! We only looked at our program; now we focus on the system change!"Rita Melifonwu, Ashoka Fellow, Founder and CEO, Stroke Action UK and Nigeria
"Tremendously useful Feedback, Odin! How much do I have to pay to steal you from Ashoka?"Thorsten Kiefer, Ashoka Fellow, Founder and CEO, Wash United
"I could fill a book with quotes from Odin."Daniela Matielo, Director of Network Activation, Ashoka Changemakers
"Odin opened up a completely new perspective to our long-term strategy."Stefan Prasse, CEO, Mobile Retter
"Odin's analyses are as sharp and precise as a scalpel."Mike McGalliard, Founding President and Executive Director, Imagination Foundation
Strategies for entire cohorts
Do you need strategies for an entire cohort of social ventures, like a portfolio of funding partners or the finalists of a competition? In that case, you need a team of experienced thought partners who have worked with each other for years and are aligned on their methodology. You need the Systems Angels.
Odin Mühlenbein
- Was strategic thought partner for 100+ social entrepreneurs and foundations
- Co-authored 7 reports, numerous articles, tools, a podcast, and online courses on systems change
- Co-initiated a number of ecosystem initiatives
Florentine Roth
- Was strategic thought partner for 50+ social entrepreneurs
- Co-authored online courses on systems change
- Certified facilitator
- Trained 50+ people in systems thinking
Florian Rutsch
- Was strategic thought partner for 30+ social entrepreneurs and foundations
- Co-authored 5 reports, as well as articles, online courses, and tools on systems change
Olga Shirobokova
- Was strategic thought partner for 100+ social entrepreneurs
- Co-authored a report and a podcast on systems change, as well as several online courses