Photo by Aarón Blanco Tejedor
One way or another, you’ve identified a shortcoming in a policy, program or practice at your agency, or in the larger system in which you operate. Perhaps you’ve been listening to community members, who have been saying it’s not working. Maybe the data show poor outcomes. Or maybe it’s just something that you’ve observed over time.
Every situation is unique. You may or may not be explicitly tasked with addressing the issue. The solution could be anything from a small tweak in how a service is delivered to a large policy change. In some cases, your colleagues may see and fully understand the issue, in others they may not.
The following is a list of potential problems that government innovators commonly face as they try to change the way we do business. Thankfully, it is unlikely that one person will experience all these pain points on the same project. The purpose of this list is to spark discussion and identify the most common –and difficult-- challenges.
Which ones vex you the most? What is no big deal? What’s missing from the list altogether? Please share your thoughts in the comments!
1. Understanding how the system works so you can affect it.
2. Establishing the authority to take on the issue.
3. Finding the time to take on the issue.
4. Connecting the effort with the people being served.
5. Recognizing and dealing with bias (your own and others’).
6. Communicating about the problem or potential solution to a broad audience.
7. Getting the leadership to support and elevate the issue.
8. Establishing a shared belief that better outcomes are possible.
9. Building internal and external champions.
10. Getting access to elected officials so they can champion the work.
11. Getting financial support for planning and/or implementation.
12. Keeping focus on the issue after leadership turnover.
13. Getting the information you need amidst organizational silos and information hoarding.
14. Creating and implementing a plan.
15. Choosing from among a set of solutions.
16. Collaborating with co-workers.
17. Collaborating with community partners.
18. Staying healthy and positive despite the slow, difficult work.