This guide by The Australian Centre for Social Innovation (TACSI) explores how to build networks for systemic change.

Let’s dive into the most actionable take-aways. 👇

My top 5 Takeaways

1️⃣ 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺

Many networks fail because they treat relationships as secondary. But without connection, nothing sticks. The best strategies fall apart if people feel unseen, unheard, and unvalued. So, prioritizing time for connection is vital.

2️⃣ 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴

Trust is the best predictor of impact. When trust is high, knowledge flows, and collaboration deepens. Without trust, networks collapse. So, going at the speed of trust is key.

3️⃣ 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 & 𝗨𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘆

TACSI calls this “in-betweenness” — the space where answers aren’t clear. This is where innovation happens. But most networks avoid it because it feels uncomfortable. It´s okay not to have answers and let them emerge over time.

4️⃣ 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀

Big, top-down plans rarely work in complex systems. Instead, change happens through small, emerging patterns. Think of unexpected collaborations, new insights, and adaptive strategies. So, amplify small, positive changes and adjust as needed.

5️⃣ 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗡𝗼𝗻-𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲

Burnout kills networks. Well-being is simply essential for long-term impact. If people aren’t well, the network won’t thrive. It´s due time to normalize rest and regeneration.

The main insight?

Building impact networks isn’t about controlling outcomes.

Instead, it’s about creating the conditions for:

• Connection

• Learning

• Action

This is where network weavers come in.

Weaving is a systemic strategy that:

• Strengthens trust

• Bridges fragmentation

• Makes collaboration work

❓ So why is it so often treated as as an afterthought?

So many weavers remain:

• overlooked

• undervalued

• under-supported

If you feel that way, let me say this:

Thank you so much for all your work!

I know it often goes unnoticed. But, it matters. More than we will ever know.

Even as collapse, apathy & destruction deepen, our weaving can catalyze regenerative & equitable futures.

So, keep on weaving webs and tending tapestries.

By the way:

In case you want to build your network leadership skills, I have something for you.

The Network Weaver Self-Study guide is a free, curated collection with:

• Tools

• Books

• Poems

• Guides

• Programs

• Frameworks

• Communities

... to build new skills for your work.

You can get it here for free.

I hope it’s useful!

In community,

Adrian

PS: Thanks for reading! ❤️ If you have questions or suggestions, I am just one email away!

About the Systemic Shift Newsletter

Tactics, Tips & Tools for Systemic Change

This weekly newsletter offers practical tools, real-world lessons, and curated opportunities to help you weave impact networks.

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