Decoding processes

Processes are the steps to get from “here to there.”  They are “things” in themselves and consequently can be organized and implemented.  The processes, like the roles, need to be attached to your goals and mission for the institute. 

The key to this is asking just “what do you plan to do to get a project done?” The processes you need fall into at least two categories: those currently in place that you’ll need to implement and those that you’ll need to create or modify. Let’s take these in turn.

 Some processes are already in place. For example, the college budgeting process is probably already in place. As budgets may need central oversight you may need to simply use the process in place.  Hence, you must learn it… or, at least someone should learn it!

However, idea harvesting and analysis are processes that may need to be formed and implemented. In this example, electronic systems for asynchronous idea collection can be created or purchased.  On the “low-budget” model, electronic interactive data collection processes can be created.  Data can then be listed and categorized.  This is fundamentally qualitative data collection and analysis process.  But it is essential in reality construction. Convening and maintaining horizontal structures are also useful processes.  To the degree that the processes can be outlined they should be so these vehicles can be used by others.

Decoding products

What are the “things” that you plan to produce? As you build social reality, you’re also able to build products.  When one says that she produces learning, then what is the product that is produced?  Here I’m not confusing this with program outcomes, but with a real “packaged” entity that can be shared and distributed, hence a product.  IF @ AACC has created several “products.” For example, an IF @ AACC CD is a packaged information switching station for futures information.  The IF @ AACC process and IF @ AACC itself is a product. The “how-to” formation process (this electronic document for example), the collection of information on the IF @ AACC Web site are repackaged products.

Why products?  They put a tangible outcome at the end of a process. For example, brainstorming is a great process. It generates many wonderful ideas. But it is often frustrating as the ideas can be lost.  Brainstorming with products in mind sequences this idea generation in a system that delivers something “at the other end” like a tactical plan, a vision statement or directed human action, for example.

In summary, “decoding” moves human energy into action and outcomes through process and products. Now, how do you “do it?”

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