Why this network?
The intent of the Systemic Impact Network is to bring together different people from across the housing system to align their influence, resources, capital, know-how and passion to create better outcomes at scale.
There’s strong commitment from 22 leaders from across South Australia’s home and housing sector, including multiple Government departments, private developers, NGOs in community housing and aged care, organisations addressing homelessness, philanthropy, architects and academics.
What sets this network apart
Too often leaders report the inefficiencies and lack of effectiveness in collaborations and round table efforts. That’s why, over the past three years, we’ve developed and trialled a new and strategic approach to “networks”.
The working hypothesis is that by connecting and aligning people (across a system) towards a shared goal, the group will take bolder actions toward reform. Key to its success is careful curation, the development of behaviours and mindsets, the building of trust to have tough conversations, and the ability to build the network’s identity and legitimacy.
This diagram illustrates some of the differences between general networking approaches and a systemic network approach. We’re currently using this approach across a number of initiatives.
Traditional network vs network for systemic impact: What’s different?
Traditional networks
Network for systemic impact
Narrow focus on special interest groups, organisational interests, effective & efficient institutions.
Systems focus on better outcomes for people, going ‘beyond brand’.
Ego mindsets that promote self-interest, superficial listening, oppositional conflict, power dynamics & passivity.
Eco mindsets that promote shared interest, deep listening, generative conflict, equity & action.
Rigid structures that dictate process, hierarchical or power based decision-making and actions.
Flexible structure that defines principles and intention and builds trust and mechanisms for working together.
Reflective methods rooted in making decisions based on what’s been done in the past.
Active methods that learn from the emerging future by taking action, learning by doing, pivoting and iterating.
Collective action where everyone takes the same action & does the same thing(s).
Aligned independent action that adapts actions for needs and contexts testing a diversity of different, aligned actions