Hats off in co-production

If we want an equal, kind and sustainable world, we need to make a lot of changes. 

It’s far too easy to ask the same people, the same questions and in a time where rapid change is necessary, we can’t keep doing this. I’d love to see a wider take-up of co-productive working embedded into businesses and organisations, at all levels. Involving individuals with different experiences, in strategic and operational decision-making, brings focus, opportunity, innovation, trust and meaningful change. 

One thing which comes to mind is that to create a lively, meaningful and productive space we all need to take off our hats … ego, labels and habits. 

Ego: Make space to respect other experiences

Recognise how your experience of the world (including of systems, products, services) is one experience. Through this acknowledge the limitations of your experience.  

Labels: Empower not limit

How we label ourselves can be a central empowering part of our identity. In co-productive working, it’s not about ignoring individual identities, it’s about making sure that labels don’t become limiting. Labels can reflect and inform power structures within groups, so arrive in the co-productive space as yourself, not as a Service User, Director, Consumer, etc. 

Habits: Spot your habits

We get so used to thinking and working in a particular way, it’s easy to fall back into old habits. Perhaps you’ve automatically fallen into the ‘Chair’ role? Perhaps you’ve been doing all the talking? Check yourself, be upfront with the group and encourage others to share thoughts/ use their skills. It helps build trust. 

Generally, in co-productive working, always respect how we each have different experiences, and experience the world differently.