Ian Burbidge.

My approach.

Practicing the art of change.

Over the last decade I have been developing, testing and refining my approach to systems change, bringing a range of insights together into a coherent framework. It forms the foundation of all my work: my change masterclasses, diagnostics, labs and journeys.

Here’s a summary of my systems change framework.

©️Ian Burbidge 2022

It shows the following core ideas:

  • Inner Yellow – your challenge sits at the heart of the framework.
  • Outer Yellow – these are the four core offers through which we address your challenge.
  • Red through White – these are the 8 areas that I leverage as part of the work. Each comprises four modules that I use to design and deliver a bespoke programme that addresses your challenge (These are also the 8 blog categories in my writing. They are my core areas of knowledge and experience.)
  • Green – these are the 8 elements of my approach to change.
  • Grey – four overarching imperatives around change.

If you have dived into my writing you may have come across some of the tools I have developed that are a part of this framework.

Approach to change.

My systems change framework is based on the following approach. These are eight imperatives that shape the overall work:

  • Convene around the challenge.
  • Establish your position.
  • Explore the challenge.
  • Embrace different perspectives.
  • Imagine the (Im)possible.
  • Learn through action.
  • Navigate in uncertainty.
  • Advocate for change.

They are, of course, based on the notion that we are working towards system change, and therefore there is no particular order or sequencing to follow. Think of it more as a compass than a predetermined route.

The Systems Entrepreneur’s Manifesto.

Over time I’ve developed a set of Manifesto commitments, which characterise the multi-disciplinary way that a systems entrepreneur works to achieve change in a complex system. They:

  • convene around purpose
  • establish your position
  • explore the challenge
  • embrace different perspectives
  • imagine the impossible
  • learn through action
  • navigate in uncertainty
  • advocate for change