Spark 24 – Think more strategically: Conceptual Boundary Spanning: Example

To develop the skill of boundary spanning in strategic thinking, you can follow these sequential steps:

1. Create bubbles: Place your problem on a whiteboard in a big circle. Around it place other circles containing the different ‘areas’ this problem touches. An ‘area’ could be things like internal structures, meso or macro environments, geographies, cohorts… this is a gathering, not filtering activity.

2. Prioritise your bubbles:

a. Classify your bubbles as either:

i. Inside your workplace

ii. Related to partners and your sector/ industry/social problem

iii. Remote environment

b. Redo your picture with the issue at the centre and then place three rings around your issue and label these three new rings: ‘Inside’, ‘Partners’ and ‘Remote’.

c. Drop each bubble into the appropriate ring

3. Understand intersecting domains: Gain a deep understanding of the closest bubbles. This includes understanding the discipline or area of thought that could best be used on this bubble: their perspectives, challenges and opportunities.

4. Build cross-boundary relationships: Actively cultivate relationships with individuals and organisations who can share a view or expertise in these bubbles. Networking, partnerships and collaborative projects are key tools here.

5. Facilitate information exchange: Encourage and facilitate the flow of information and ideas across these boundaries. This could involve setting up joint meetings, cross-sectoral forums or shared knowledge platforms.

6. Develop integrative thinking: Foster an ability to think in an integrated way, merging insights and ideas from across boundaries to inform strategic decisions.

7. Implement and reflect: Apply boundary-spanning strategies in your planning and operations, and regularly reflect on their effectiveness, adapting as necessary.

By methodically practising these steps, you will enhance your ability to span boundaries in your strategic thinking, which is crucial for fostering innovation, adaptability and comprehensive problem-solving.

How to think more strategically: try these practices

To embed this thinking into your strategic arsenal, try the following practices:

• Humility and curiosity: Cultivate a mindset of humility and curiosity. Recognise that no single discipline holds the monopoly on wisdom. Every field, be it sociology, technology, economics or the arts, offers unique insights, methodologies and perspectives. By approaching problems with an openness to integrate these diverse viewpoints, we pave the way for richer, more holistic solutions.

• Continuous learning: Engaging in continuous learning is crucial. Immerse yourself in literature, conferences or workshops outside your core expertise. Dabble in realms unfamiliar, seeking not mastery, but a foundational understanding that allows you to appreciate the nuances and contributions of other disciplines.

• Dialogue: Actively foster interdisciplinary dialogues. Establish forums, both formal and informal, where experts from varied domains can come together. These cross-disciplinary conversations often serve as crucibles where novel, boundary-spanning ideas are birthed.

• Diversity in thinking: Champion diversity, not just in terms of demographics, but also in thought. Teams that mirror the rich tapestry of disciplines are more equipped to traverse and bridge conceptual divides. They bring to the table a melange of approaches and problem-solving techniques, enhancing both the breadth and depth of strategic solutions.

• System thinking: Recognise that our world, in all its complexity, operates like an intricate system. Changes in one component often ripple across, affecting other seemingly unrelated elements. By understanding these interconnections and leveraging insights from diverse disciplines, we can craft strategies that are both impactful and resilient.