The impact loop of inner & outer change
This model proposes a frame to think about the inner and outer work needed for impact. It is intended to make explicit what awareness-based systemic change takes and to support in creating as well as maintaining alignment and coherence across levels as we do this Work.
On all levels, the inner work drives the outer work, which drives the impact. Each level contains the previous one, as we expand our radius of influence and impact we continuously revisit and refine the previous layers in constant practice. This model can also be used as a model/map to identify your own field of influence, where you can have the most impact with your efforts and unique contribution - as an individual and as a team.
The Impact Loop of inner and outer change by collaboratio helvetica
Implementation
You may choose to use the prototyping canvas as part of any type of process or as a stand-alone tool. It can be introduced as a general framework to help guide reflection and next actions, or used for a specific purpose. A team may for example use it to reflect on their collective “inner condition” and to identify which leverage point or layer they will work on first (e.g. clarifying the roles or guiding principles).
Print out, replicate on a flipchart or send around digitally to be used as a general model
Replicate on a flipchart without the content (key words) in each level so you may work on it and add what you observe there
Insert in a Mural/Miro/other digital collaborative tool to fill it out collectively
Materials and Group
A printed or replicated version of the impact loop and/or impact loop canvas (or digital version)
Pens or markers
Post-its
Yourself and your participants
Further literature and links to the topic
Nora Wilhelm is the Co-Founder and Catalyst of collaboratio helvetica. She has a background in youth engagement and active citizenship (European Youth Parliament) and specialised in collaboration, self-organisation, ecosystem leadership, systemic change and social innovation. Beyond facilitating multi-stakeholder processes and social innovation labs as well as promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), she is a renowned young leader, advocate and speaker, recognised for her work by the Swiss government, UNESCO, Forbes 30 under 30 and other institutions.