In this blog, SMK Chief Executive Katie Roberts, explores why people, not frameworks, drive change and how tools that don’t serve us should be tossed back in the sea.
Tools for easier and more successful tasks
A mark of intelligence in the animal kingdom is ability to use tools to make a task easier and more successful. The Sea Otter, for example, carefully selects a suitable stone to use as an anvil to break open shellfish for a tasty reward, very smart!
Humans have created endless tools designed to make work more effective and individual performance more impactful. Tools such as the SMART framework or Theory of Change. However, sometimes it feels like the tool we are asked to use ends up making things harder.
Sometimes you need a simple tool for a simple job – hammering in that nail. But in skilful hands even a simple tool could help sculpt a thing of beauty. The difference in outcome is all about the people using the tools. In our case, the campaigners and changemakers across the UK.
Tools don’t have to be the star of the show
At SMK, we do our best to create the space to let the humans in the room solve problems, share ideas, encourage one another and prioritise, and it works. Do we use tools, yes absolutely, but they are not the stars of the show.
Take the SMART framework, developed by George Doran, Arthur Miller and James Cunningham, it’s a good tool, a handy framework to sense check the objectives we want to achieve. It works especially well when the output is quantifiable, largely within your control and you have a relatively stable environment with predictable inputs and outputs.
However, SMART can be almost impossible to use well when you are seeking to be innovative or to bring transformation or where there is a lot of change and uncertainty. The classic context for campaigners. For example, having an objective that already seems achievable or realistic might not allow for the aspiration and risk that taking on a social or environmental injustice requires.
Realising the tool is not making the task easier or more likely to be successful, gives you choices. You can throw away the tool and opt for another, or you can playfully adapt the tool to suit your needs.
Let me show you what I mean and get playful with the SMART acronym.
Just imagine your team was involved in world-changing transformation, like ending UK poverty. Here is what a re-imagining of SMART might look like for you.
SMART table. The SMK version.
Playing with your tools
Tools should never become a weapon to beat us into efficiency and high performance. If the tools in your workplace are not working for you it’s time to get playful with them until they do!
Why not try one of our training sessions, hone your tool-wielding skills and get playful with other campaigners and activists? This Autumn SMK has different training routes to choose from designed for organisations of all sizes, budgets and experience levels. Whether you’re looking for a quick skills boost, a deep dive into a specific challenge, or a full campaigning development journey, SMK has a programme designed to meet you where you are.
Please get in touch to find out how SMK can best support you with your campaigning work. Contact: info@smk.org.uk