Phases of the Navigation Process

The Navigation Process unfolds across several iterative phases, each guided by critical questions that drive assessment, prioritization, action, and learning. These phases embody the emergent nature of ecosystems, allowing organizations to remain agile and responsive.

Why the Navigation Process Is Core to Ecosystem Work

• Dynamic Engagement: The Navigation Process is designed to align with the fluid and interconnected nature of ecosystems, offering a practical framework for responding to change.
• Pattern Awareness: By focusing on patterns, the process enables organizations to see beyond surface-level symptoms, addressing root causes and systemic dynamics.
• Iterative Adaptation: The emergent nature of ecosystems requires continuous iteration. The Navigation Process integrates action and learning, ensuring strategies remain relevant in shifting environments.
• Collaborative Focus: This process fosters inclusive and collaborative approaches, leveraging diverse perspectives to co-create sustainable solutions.

Assessment: Recognizing What Is Emerging

• Key Questions: What patterns are currently emerging in the ecosystem? How do these patterns reflect organizational dynamics, strengths, and challenges?
• Purpose: This phase focuses on observation and sense-making, identifying existing patterns and their impact on the organization. It involves mapping the ecosystem to uncover hidden dynamics and opportunities.
• Focus: Identify the existing patterns and their impact on the ecosystem’s overall health. This involves mapping the ecosystem, analyzing interconnections, and recognizing disruptive or catalytic forces.
• Outcome: A clear understanding of the ecosystem’s current state, providing the foundation for strategic exploration.

Learning: Evaluating and Adapting

• Key Questions: What have we learned from our actions? How are patterns shifting in response to our interventions? What new patterns are emerging?
• Purpose: Ecosystems are dynamic, and the learning phase ensures continuous feedback and adaptation. It emphasizes reflective practice to understand the impact of interventions and adjust strategies in response to emerging conditions.
• Focus: Continuously evaluate outcomes, adapt strategies based on feedback, and refine understanding of the ecosystem. This iterative process ensures that learning informs future actions.
• Outcome: A cycle of ongoing learning and adaptation, reinforcing the organization’s ability to navigate complexity effectively.

Prioritization: Identifying Strategic Patterns

• Key Questions: Which patterns hold the greatest potential for influencing desired outcomes? What areas require immediate attention versus long-term exploration?
• Purpose: With an awareness of patterns, this phase involves evaluating their relative importance and prioritizing actions that align with strategic objectives.
• Focus: Prioritize patterns that align with strategic objectives or offer leverage points for transformation. This phase emphasizes identifying opportunities for high-impact interventions.
• Outcome: A focused roadmap that directs energy and resources toward the most impactful areas.

Action: Influencing and Experimenting with Patterns

• Key Questions: What actions can influence the prioritized patterns? How can we introduce safe-to-fail experiments to test potential changes?
• Purpose: This is the operational phase, where interventions are designed and implemented to influence targeted patterns. Actions are informed by insights gained during assessment and prioritization, ensuring alignment with ecosystem needs.
• Focus: Develop and implement targeted actions designed to influence ecosystem dynamics. Encourage experimentation to foster learning and innovation while minimizing risk.
• Outcome: Tangible steps that initiate and sustain pattern-based change within the ecosystem.