Procedures we use

Making things public

We often work in a sequence that starts with collecting matters of concern as people see them personally. We then start making these matters public. This not just with those who have the concerns. Bringing in the professional perspective for instance will trigger controversies. Discussing these and collectively engaging in them is a crucial aspect of the process we propose.

Diving into controversies

Making things public generates controversies. An example: what someone sees as a personal matter of concern may not reflect in what is presented as a matter of fact. “Sir, you might be concerned about crime in your neighbourhood. But facts prove there is nothing to worry about.” Are the facts right, or are the concerns right? Both, we say. And then we need to engage in the controversy.

Mapping controversies

The controversy between concerns and facts is just one of many controversies that come with matter made public. There are controversies triggered by the gap between a personal take on –for instance—safety and a public one. There are practical issues, like funding, time frame, assets. Mapping them makes it easier to develop scenarios for an effective approach to challenges and try them out. Here is an example of a map. It is about realizing a community based circular economy.

Matter of concern vs. matters of fact > map as an illustration

A good example of controversies mapped brings us back to what happens when matters of fact are brought together with matters of concern.
Have a look by clicking here