Mark McKergow & John Brooker
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Introduced by John Brooker Do you, like me, long for more of a community feel in your local area? Like Mark McKergow, I spent much time travelling before COVID came along and, when home, created connections locally as best I could, e.g. as a dad meeting parents at the school gates, as Chair of my local scouts. Sadly that connection ended when no longer involved in school or Scouts. Being part of these communities felt good, and while there is much to love about our SFiO communal Zoom activities, I long to catch up in person over a coffee and a hug!
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 Brooker & Marika Tammeaid
Reviewed by Marika Tammeaid ColLab is an interaction blending relationship and task When I learned that John Brooker is writing a new book, I started looking forward to it with confidence and joy. It had already been a while from his last book The Creative Gorilla (2013), and we all had been able to enjoy his fresh, creative, and well-packaged tools in various SF conferences. So, that gave good grounds for anticipating a great book giving food for thought and action for working in SF way with organisations. And I must say, all these expectations were rewarded, and even more.
A practical solution-focused guide to inspire and guide you through the creation of a collaboration that achieves sustainable relationships and results.
European Brief Therapy Association presents a coherent theory of solution-focused practice for those who want to understand the rationale, together with a comprehensive description for training and developmental purposes
A new approach to change is gathering momentum fast in the business and organisational world? Solutions Focus (SF) comes originally from the world of mental health and psychological change, where it is transforming our understanding of people and how they work. It’s also making inroads in business all over the world – global names including Nationwide Building Society (UK) , Royal Bank of Canada, Lufthansa (Germany) and Canon (Japan) are benefiting right now.