Transduction — leading transformation — Issue #178
My weekly posts
If commissioning really worked — what would look different in your world?
If commissioning truly worked, outcomes would improve, citizens would notice, and the system would make more sense. We’re launching the next National Commissioning Academy this June. It’s not just a talking shop but a programme for those ready to lead change across boundaries and complexity. Delivered by the Public Service Transformation Academy, it offers tools, coaching, and action learning applied to real-world challenges. Applications are open, but places are limited. Join us to transform services, systems, and lives. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_sign-up-now-for-the-june-2025-commissioning-activity-7327950949119922177-SwX1
Intentional LinkedIn posts
After writing 464 intentional LinkedIn posts, I’m amused and perplexed by what resonates and what doesn’t. Deep dives often get fewer nods, while casual questions catch fire. Sharing personal failures resonates when others join in, but emotional stories can feel like shouting into the void. Timing is crucial; a timely thought can reach far. I’ve learned that meaning and engagement are a dance between writer, reader, and the algorithm. What’s an idea you championed that was overlooked, and do you still believe in it? https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_innovation-management-creativity-activity-7326599262610350080-sDLS/
AI is here. Are you ready, local government?
AI is here. Are you ready, local government? James Wickham BSc Econ is working on nAvIgate, our new AI offer. Please like and share with anyone who may benefit, particularly in local government. https://lnkd.in/edJM2Xw4
Courses and events
Last chance! — Next National Commissioning Academy launching June 2025
Out next national commissioning academy will launch in June 2025 with in person days hosted by Browne Jacobson in Birmingham and London. Read more here: https://link.redquadrant.com/2025NCA
Our sensemaking community, sharing learning on devolution and local government organisation
Join our sensemaking community for the days after — a space for public service leaders to share urgent learning on devolution and local government reorganisation. We meet twice a month to make sense of today’s complexities or follow along by email. Join the group at https://sensemaking.groups.io
Towards Relational Public Services Conference 2025
3rd to 5th June 2025 Manchester Metropolitan University. This conference seeks to continue to explore the challenges of making Relational Public Services a reality for service users, professionals and academics alike: in an increasingly complex world, how can public services and social interventions create and sustain positive lives for the people and populations they serve? Find out more here: https://www.complexityoutcomes.org/
Complexity & Management Conference 6–8th June 2025
The conference begins on Friday 6th June 2025 and finishes at lunchtime on Sunday 8th. The currency of the conference is conversation and exploration in large groups and small. Read more here: https://complexityandmanagement.com/2024/11/04/complexity-management-conference-6-8th-june-2025/
Level 7 Systems Thinking Practitioner Apprenticeship
Work in England or Wales? Want to develop your systems thinking skills? Sign up now for the next cohort of the Level 7 Systems Thinking Practitioner Apprenticeship — Cherith Simmons, with experts from SCiO (including me) — likely start in January 2025! Register here: https://cherithsimmons.co.uk/corporate/level-7-systems-thinking-practitioner-apprenticeship/?utm_content=buffer2fd3b&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Things I shared on socials:
Why in complexity competent leadership do we talk about ‘non-linear’ change?
Here’s an example I’ve found myself sharing over the last couple of days…I used to have a bird feeder. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dr-amanda-woolley_complexitycompetentleadership-nonlinearchange-activity-7328796403365797889-hDZW?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
Forbers — Today’s Most Crucial Leadership Skill Is Systems Thinking — Johnstone-Louis (2025)
Contributor. I write about the future of corporate sustainability https://wp.me/p8QJZw-6sR
Why most of your customer feedback is bollock.
Great piece I want to read properly. But want to say that, in my experience, of the 80% of leaders who claim they regularly spend time on the front line, 95% are liars! https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_myth-of-feedback-activity-7328831455629869056-rjnb?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
Letter: we are not strangers.
Eastangliabylinetimes https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_letter-we-are-not-strangers-activity-7328510024853393408-7O4n?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
You Are Not So Smart podcast — YANSS 312 — An introduction to complexity science, chaos theory, and how life, um, finds a way — Neil Theise (2024)
In this episode we sit down with professor Neil Theise, the author of Notes on Complexity, to get an introduction to the science of how complex systems behave — from cells to human beings, to ecosystems, the known universe, and beyond — and we explore if Ian Malcolm was right when he told us in Jurassic Park that “Life, um, finds a way.” https://wp.me/p8QJZw-6sy
