SPIRAL Iterative Progression Framework

Designed with life in mind, SPIRAL is a universal 6-step approach to integrating change into your decision-making process

SPIRAL guides you toward sustainable positive outcomes no matter your resources or circumstances, from inner-development to global policy

S - Set Direction and Goals

• Objective: Define a clear direction and set specific goals that guide the change process.

• Action: Begin by outlining a vision for where the change should lead. This involves setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that will direct your actions and decisions. Establishing a clear direction will not only inform the subsequent steps in the SPIRAL process but also provide a metric for evaluating success and progress.

P - Poll your Environment

• Objective: Gather diverse perspectives, insights, and data from your environment and stakeholders.

• Action: Reach out to individuals, communities, teams, or data sources relevant to the situation at hand. This includes not only collecting hard data but also attuning to the emotions, ideas, and experiences of those around you. This holistic gathering stage is crucial for amassing a wide array of information to inform your decisions.

I - Identify Patterns

• Objective: Analyze the collected insights to identify underlying patterns of change.

• Action: With the insights gathered, look for recurring themes, anomalies, or signals that match known ∆ patterns (such as Cycles, Thresholds, Spirals, etc.). This step involves both analytical thinking to match observations with known patterns and creative thinking to discern emerging, not-yet-categorized patterns of change.

R - Realize Leverage Points

• Objective: Pinpoint the most impactful areas for intervention based on identified patterns.

• Action: Seek out leverage points within the system—places where small shifts or actions can lead to significant, positive changes. Consider both the direct and indirect implications of potential interventions to ensure a holistic approach to change.

A - Act Ethically and Accountably

• Objective: Make sure that your chosen course of action is aligned with ethical principles and contributes to a positive and sustainable future.

• Action: Prioritize decisions and actions that offer the most benefit and least harm to all parts of the system. This involves considering long-term impacts, potential unintended consequences, and maintaining a commitment to acting with integrity and accountability.

L - Learn and Loop

• Objective: Engage in a reflective process to assess the outcomes of your actions and to iterate based on feedback.

• Action: After implementing your decision, monitor the results closely. Learn from both the successes and shortcomings of your approach. Use this feedback to inform future decisions, effectively creating a continuous SPIRAL