Marika Tammeaid
Introduced by Carey Glass This article is short yet packs much thoughtful punch. It provides two practical tools for use in large scale change.
The first tool is a spin-off from the concept of an SF scale. It represents hierarchical organisations as a ladder to enable thinking about interactions from all perspectives; the broad perspective of leadership to the coalface perspective of staff.
The second is an elegant way of mapping the continuum and need for organisational stability, or change, against the level of environmental uncertainty. It provides a fantastically, manageable way of representing complexity for practical engagement and outcomes.
Janine Waldman & Paul Z Jackson & Michael Graham ↗
Introduction by John Brooker The Summary In this video/audio, Michael Graham, Paul Z Jackson and Janine Waldman relate a Solution Focus case study from Reading Borough Council Legal Services.
From it, you will learn simple ways to apply aspects of this project in your own work, and the outline of the programme behind it.
Mark McKergow
Read or download the full article after the synopsis. Article Synopsis Mark’s article introduces and explores “rutenso”, a concept he coined to describe the art of thriving amidst constant and ceaseless change, inspired by Japanese cultural attitudes toward impermanence. Originating from the Japanese word “ruten,” meaning continuous change, “rutenso” emphasises proactively working with ongoing shifts instead of resisting them. This approach contrasts sharply with traditional “koteiso” management methods, which presume stability and prioritise fixed goals and detailed plans. Rutenso advocates for appreciating and leveraging differences, taking measured and thoughtful actions rather than rushed responses, and viewing leaders as facilitators who enable change instead of controlling it. Drawing parallels with contemporary political events and leadership styles, the article suggests that rutenso principles - such as looking widely, slowing down to observe during difficulties, and hosting rather than driving — are especially pertinent in the current global climate marked by unpredictability and shifting alliances. Ultimately, rutenso aligns closely with Solution-Focused practices, emphasising incremental steps, adaptability, and building collaborative relationships to foster constructive outcomes amid uncertainty.
John Teager Listen to A Chapter With the Author - Jan Marklund in Conversation with John Teager SFiO - Solution Focus in Organisations · A Chapter With the Author - In Conversation with Jan Marklund Lead Like a Swede - Jan Marklund's book reviewed by John Teager A guiding principle of Solution Focus (SF) is to find what works and do more of it. In the 2024 World Happiness Report , the Nordic countries are the happiest in the world (Finland 1st; Denmark 2nd; Iceland 3rd; Sweden 4th and Norway 7th) and they have maintained these high positions for many years. Each year, Nordic leaders appear to be doing more of what works. Notably though, change is happening, as it always does. In all these countries except Iceland and particularly in Norway and Sweden, the old are now much happier than the young, which is a concern. So, what needs to happen?