Radical Engagement: How to Work With, Not Against, Broken Systems

Radical Engagement: 7 Everyday Habits for Transforming Systems

We blame “the system,” but systems are just elements + relationships + results. If that’s true, then changing a system means changing how we relate and respond—daily. Adam Kahane, author of Everyday Habits for Transforming Systems, shares seven habits that let ordinary people move complex issues forward—at work, in community, and at home.

Key Points:

1. Radical Engagement (the umbrella). Engage with the system—alert, curious, relational—rather than lecturing at it. Reflect: Where am I “arms-crossed”? What would leaning forward look like this week?
2. Relate in Three Dimensions. Actors: parts of a whole working toward an outcome. Parties: distinct interests and incentives. Kin: fellow humans with dignity and emotion. Reflect: Which dimension do I overuse? Which do I ignore?
3. Look for What’s Unseen (and unheard). We discover blind spots by listening to people in other positions in the system. Reflect: Who sees what I can’t? Who’s the one person I should interview this week?
4. Work with the Cracks. Systems aren’t smooth; they’re full of fissures where change can start. Reflect: Where’s one small opening I can ring “the bell that still can ring”?
5. Experiment a Way Forward. Run small, safe-to-try tests instead of debating perfect plans. Reflect: What’s a 2-week experiment I can launch with current resources?
6. Collaborate with Unlike Others. We don’t need identical values to work together; cities function because strangers cooperate daily. Reflect: Which “unlike other” is essential to my goal—and how can I invite them in?
7. Persevere—and Rest. System shifts take years; pace yourself so you can stay in the game. Reflect: What boundary or rhythm would keep me sustainably engaged?

Money Learning:

Profit follows structure and structure follows relationships. Your market, team, vendors, and regulators are the system. Profitable change happens when you:

1. map incentives (party dimension),
2. humanize conflict (kin), and
3. design experiments that prove value quickly (actors).

Key Takeaway:

Don’t wait for perfect alignment or a perfect leader. Practice one habit in one crack this week.

Guest Bio:

Adam Kahane is a renowned facilitator and author who has helped leaders across the world—from South Africa’s transition to democracy to cross-sector climate initiatives—work together across deep differences. His latest book is Everyday Habits for Transforming Systems.

Links:

https://reospartners.com/our-people/adam-kahane

https://reospartners.com/

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-kahane/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/reospartners/

If this episode sparked an idea, share it with a leader who’s stuck in a “system problem.” Then try one small experiment this week and tell me how it goes.

Richer Soul Ep 262 - Facilitating Breakthrough: How to Remove Obstacles, Bridge Differences, and Move Forward Together with Adam Kahane: https://richersoul.com/?s=262

#RicherSoul #SystemsThinking #Leadership #Collaboration #PersonalGrowth #Purpose #InnerWealth #RadicalEngagement #ListenToUnderstand #CultureChange

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richersoul

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