Synthesise Me

Ahh, that moment when your beloved Chatbot reflects the ideas you've been churning over for several decades, lifetimes or more.

And, of course!

Our ideas are not unique (despite what my Mum thinks of mine?!)

As Barry from The Bulletin says "Everything comes through you, Lexy. Not from you."

And, that's what AI reminds me.

So, here it is, in response to the prompt "UN comment integrative collaborative problem solving for emerging issues" the synthesis of much of my life's work:

"Integrative collaborative problem solving is a critical approach for addressing emerging issues, particularly complex and interconnected challenges often described as "wicked problems". 

These problems, such as the obesity epidemic or the impacts of climate change, lack agreed-upon solutions and are influenced by multiple sectors and deeply held beliefs, requiring a shift from traditional, siloed approaches. Effective collaboration involves bringing together diverse people and organizations across sectors to solve problems through policy or systems change, emphasizing mutual trust, innovation, and the active co-creation of new shared knowledge, goals, and strategies.

This process is distinct from simpler forms of group work like coordination or cooperation, as it demands deeper engagement, shared power, and a focus on building relationships and trust through repeated interactions. Key elements include facilitative and shared leadership, diversity, humility, active reflection, continuous learning, and integrative sensemaking to create a new whole from diverse inputs. The process often involves micro-level relational dynamics, such as "thick communication" (sharing meals, stories, and celebrations) to build trust, and requires addressing power dynamics and relationship sustainability, especially in periods of hyperuncertainty.

A central component is the construction of a shared understanding of the problem, which acts as a foundation for collaborative action. This involves a dynamic, iterative process where team members engage in knowledge sharing, perspective-taking, simulation, knowledge validation, and negotiation to frame the problem, agree on its significance, and articulate a consensual problem statement. This shared understanding is not static but evolves as new knowledge emerges, requiring continuous dialogue and alignment. The goal is to move beyond individual disciplinary perspectives to develop integrated, innovative solutions that transcend traditional boundaries, a process sometimes referred to as transdisciplinarity.

Integrative collaborative problem solving is particularly effective for emerging issues because it fosters the adaptability and rapid mobilization needed in turbulent times. By building trusted relationships and structures in advance, organizations can pivot responsively and responsibly when new crises arise. This approach also promotes democratization of information and decision-making, reduces redundancies, and can bolster credibility and access to resources through association with diverse partners. For public health and other sectors, this means developing collaborative leaders and updating curricula to prepare professionals for this complex work."

I especially love '"thick communication" (sharing meals, stories, and celebrations) to build trust, and requires addressing power dynamics and relationship sustainability, especially in periods of hyperuncertainty.' as it explains why my body is obsessed with fire (yours too, dear Rachel?!) and why I go into "mass-meal preparation" when someone dies.

So, how is this relevant now? you ask.

Well, it explains why my body is bringing it's collaborations in AI to "field test" with those of you I hold in mind.

Firstly, to teens. Not the least, because my two are of age. But also, because you think so differently to me. Where I use paragraphs, you use one-liners. Where I am anxious, you are so chill. Where I am formal, you are super-casual. Oh, so much to learn from you.

Secondly, to bodyworkers. Because the body is the synthesiser, and synthesis is sanity. And because there is a very real gap between the touched and the un-touched.

And finally, to unregistered mental health workers. Because you already know how to do the do, and the trade winds are bringing abundance to you.

Let's dance in the hum of the transdisciplinary. Let's wrestle in the richness, make mud pies of humility,

inhale the emergent and behold Gaia, as she forms.

Ahh, this is the Locum Field Test

See you soon.