This week formally begins your Wicked Problem Strategy Presentation process. You will now choose the wicked problem you plan to explore throughout the remainder of the course. Your weekly journal entries will help you gradually build the components of your final presentation.
For this journal, you’re asked to continue the process. Reflect on the Influence model and perhaps skim the Influence interview with Dr. Cohen. Using this week’s readings, the Influence model, and the case study, reflect on the systems and relational dynamics surrounding your chosen wicked problem.
Respond thoughtfully to 3 – 5 of the prompts below. Integrate course concepts, systems thinking, stakeholder perspectives, and personal reflection where appropriate.
Prompts:
1. Reflect on your own style of influencing. What is your reaction to the model in light of your own style? Which parts of the model can you see working for you, and which parts would be tricky?
2. Set yourself a few goals for how you want to influence people when you start working on your Wicked Problem. In particular, name whatever challenges you think you might have in adopting the influence model and think about what you might do to mitigate those challenges.
3. Reflect briefly on your own tendencies in influence. How do you typically respond when navigating disagreement, tension, or competing priorities?
4. How might collaborative influence matter more than positional authority in addressing this issue?
5. What systems constraints or unintended consequences might complicate efforts toward change?