Ecocycle Planning

Intro: Share the structuring invitation and introduce the phases of the Ecocycle and actions in each.

• Actions that accelerate growth during the Birth phase

• Actions that extend life or increase efficiency during the Maturity phase

• Actions that recycle obsolete items during the Creative Destruction phase

• Actions that connect creative people and prepare the ground for birth during the Renewal phase (5 min.)

Ecocycle Walk-Through with Examples: Hand out the Ecocycle templates. Add a few familiar examples to the shared Ecocycle, such as regular meetings, using sticky notes so you can move them as the portfolio evolves.

• For a meeting, ask “Are we still figuring out how to work together effectively?” (Birth); “Do we have a good rhythm and are we working efficiently?” (Maturity); “Is it time to rethink the purpose of this meeting or how we run it?” (Creative Destruction); “Are we brainstorming new, collaborative ways to improve it?” (Renewal).

• For a major relationship, ask “Are we beginning to build trust?” (Birth); “Is it a strong, reliable partnership?” (Maturity); “Do we need to renegotiate terms or even consider alternatives?” (Creative Destruction); “Are we exploring new ways to collaborate and innovate?” (Renewal).

If there is a lack of agreement, break the relationship into smaller pieces (e.g., specific divisions or people in an organization). If participants still disagree, place the relationship in both phases and come back to it later. Check for questions before moving on. (5 min.)

Individual Ecocycle Mapping: Participants list major activities, projects, and initiatives from the group’s portfolio that take up their time and place sticky notes for them on their own Ecocycles. (10 min.)

Compare Ecocycles: Participants form groups of two to three [breakouts] to compare their Ecocycles and discuss differences in item placement. (10 min.)

Whole-Group Ecocycle Mapping: Everyone returns to plenary. One person from each group adds their sticky notes to the shared Ecocycle. (15 min.)

Group Reflection and Analysis: The whole group reflects on the shared Ecocycle. Ask “Which portfolio items did we agree and disagree on? What can we learn about how we’re managing our portfolio of activities/relationships? What are the implications for moving these portfolio items forward?” (15 min.)

Identify Traps: The group identifies activities in traps. Between Maturity and Creative Destruction is the Rigidity Trap, holding on to old ways even if they’re not working. Between Renewal and Birth is the Scarcity Trap, not investing enough in new ideas. Ask “What items in the Rigidity Trap do we need to let go of? What promising ideas in the Scarcity Trap should we invest more in? What other opportunities do we see?” (15 min.)

Action Steps in Small Groups: Participants form small groups of four [breakouts]. They name a first-step action for moving or ending each trapped activity and add it to the shared Ecocycle, using a specific sticky note color for actions. (10 min.)

Next Steps and Closing: Everyone returns to plenary. Decide as a group how often to revisit the Ecocycle. A few people share takeaways. (5 min.)