By: Scott Orsey
Change is hard, especially where structure creates imbalance in perspectives, power and impact. When years of good intentions yield underwhelming results for children and families, it is time to question the approach. In this four-part blog series, Scott Orsey explores the model used by scientists to measure health and well-being. He arrives at three conditions for change. Might these be the building blocks for the transformation we seek?
In my most recent article, I wondered whether the structure of mathematical models we typically use to estimate program success might suggest other truths in solving social problems. Over the next several articles, I will discuss some of the implications that I see. This blog post will focus on the first pre-condition needed for change: Those with power and influence must recognize that they cannot solve everything and that there is a problem with the current structure.
To do so, I will explore the iconic hero’s journey story – that’s the story where isolated or protected characters step out into the “real world” and discover that they actually are not as special as they once thought. Then they learn something new about themselves that makes them more effective at understanding or changing the world around them. This story repeats itself in every walk of life and, indeed, in every field of study.