Radical engagement: Seven everyday habits for transforming systems
- Susie Weldon
- 23 hours ago
- 4 min read
In these uncertain and conflict-driven times, it's vital to find ways of holding on to a sense of hope and agency as we strive to be change-makers in creating a better world.
For that reason, we at FaithInvest were very inspired by an article in the latest edition of Corporate Knights' award-winning magazine in which the system transformation expert Adam Kahane shares practices for turning system change into a way of life.
The article is taken from his latest book, Everyday Habits for Transforming Systems: The Catalytic Power of Radical Engagement, and both Adam and Corporate Knights have kindly given us permission to reprint it below.
The art and practice of system change
A few years ago, after thirty-five years’ work working alongside leading changemakers around the world, I started to ask a fundamental question: How can each of us contribute to transforming the systems we are part of?
The answer I eventually arrived at is crystallised in the notion of 'radical engagement'.
To engage radically in pursuit of systemic change, some common mindsets must first be set aside. Transformation can’t be achieved distractedly, superficially or impatiently. It isn’t possible at arm’s length, nor with arms crossed. We can’t just assert ourselves, saying take it or leave it.
Rather, seeking transformational change means bringing hope, curiosity and authenticity to the situation. We have to lean forward, reach out and dig deep. It takes focus and persistence, and above all, reciprocity.
Here are seven everyday habits to become more effective change-agents in the systems of which we are part.
Habit 1: Act responsibly
A system produces familiar results because the people who are part of it continue to play their familiar roles. Radical engagement starts with acknowledging where we are: accepting and taking responsibility for our roles – not just doing what is expected of us or whatever we like. We start contributing to real solutions by becoming aware of how we are part of the problem, and acting accordingly.
Habit 2: Relate in three dimensions
Transforming a system requires attending to the way it functions in three complementary ways: the whole, the individual parts, and the relationships between the parts. Radical engagement entails relating with other people in three corresponding dimensions – as actors playing roles in the system, as parties with our own interests, and as entangled kin – not just in the one or two ways we’re most comfortable with. We do this by connecting with others, and ourselves, as fully rounded, three-dimensional beings.
Habit 3: Look for what’s unseen
A system cannot be fully grasped from any single perspective or position. Radical engagement involves seeing more of what’s happening by looking from multiple perspectives – not just from those we’re accustomed to and comfortable with. We sense more by stretching to seek out and learn with people located at other positions in the system.
Habit 4: Work with cracks
Systems are structured to keep producing their usual behaviours and results, and therefore often seem solid and unchangeable – but they are not. They are built, and they collapse. They crack and are cracked, which opens up new possibilities that some people find frightening and others find hopeful. Radical engagement involves looking for these cracks and then moving toward and working with them, not ignoring or shying away from them. We do this by seeking out and working with openings alongside others who are doing the same.
Habit 5: Experiment a way forward
Transforming a complex system requires learning through doing, not just thinking and then doing. Radical engagement involves experimenting: trying things out that we’re not sure will work, paying careful attention to the results, and adjusting accordingly – not just doing what is familiar or safe. We discover what is possible through working with our hands and feeling our way forward.
Habit 6: Collaborate with unlike others
To transform a system, multiple people with varying capacities and in different positions must find ways to take action together. Radical engagement means working closely with unlike and unlikely others, making our differences productive – not just with people we enjoy, and not forcing or feigning amiability or agreement. We do this by stepping up our engagement with each other and going beyond talking to also acting together.
Habit 7: Persevere and rest
A system is organised and structured, often over many years, in a way that produces and reproduces its characteristic set of behaviours. It CAN be reorganised and restructured to produce different behaviours, but rarely easily or quickly. System transformation is therefore a long and winding journey, not a short or straightforward project. Radical engagement involves adjusting our pace and course as we go, rather than sprinting for a short while or just pushing on until we burn out. We combine persevering and resting to ensure that we remain effective and healthy on the journey.
More information
This article is taken from Adam Kahane's latest book, Everyday Habits for Transforming Systems: The Catalytic Power of Radical Engagement.
About the book
In a world crying out for change, Everyday Habits for Transforming Systems is your guidebook for action. Adam Kahane, a global authority on solving tough problems, draws on three decades working alongside leading changemakers to deliver game-changing advice for anyone ready to make a difference.
Through vivid stories of profound change, Kahane shows how these practices enable ordinary people to achieve extraordinary impact. Whether you're battling climate change, reinventing healthcare, or simply trying to make your community better, this book is your essential guide. It's time to stop feeling powerless and start creating the change you want to see.
The article was first published in The Metamorphosis Issue, Corporate Knights' Spring 2025 magazine. Corporate Knights Inc is a leading sustainable-economy media and research organisation that is committed to advancing an economic system in which both people and the planet can thrive.
You can buy a digital issue of the magazine for $3.70. Other articles in the Spring 2025 edition include:
