Techniques

Community building is both an art and a science. At the crossroads of structured methodologies and human-centric approaches lies the P=ENTS methodology, a beacon for communities striving to flourish. 

Rooted in the ageless values of truth, beauty and goodness, P=ENTS offers four pillars for community transformation: education, narrative, transparency and structure. As you will see, these pillars not only stand alone but are intricately intertwined with one another. They highlight the need for informed dialogue, shared stories, open communication and organised planning.

Truth is about objectivity, integrity, clarity and authenticity. 

Beauty embodies harmony, sublimity, proportion and transcendance, fostering environments where community members feel drawn to participate and contribute. 

Goodness represents justice, compassion, virtue and sacrifice in the pursuit of collective welfare.

With this foundational understanding, let's delve into the techniques that align with these values and pillars:

Analytical Models (Understanding & Evaluating)

These models reveal the truth about a community’s current state and dynamics:

• SWOT Analysis (Structure): Assesses both internal and external facets of a community.
• PESTEL Analysis (Narrative): Takes into account larger external forces shaping community stories.
• Stakeholder Analysis (Transparency): Identifies and understands key players within the community.
• Systems Thinking (Structure): Offers a holistic view of community dynamics.
• Social Network Analysis (Narrative): Deciphers interpersonal stories and flows.
• Gap Analysis (Transparency): Highlights the gap between the current and desired states.
• Community Capital Framework (Education): Catalogues resources for informed community decisions.
• Cost-Benefit Analysis (Structure): Balances the investments and returns of initiatives.
• Value Chain Analysis (Education): Assesses the added value of community activities.
• Cultural Audit (Narrative): Delves into the cultural stories that underpin a community.

You can get more detail in our latest blog on Analytical Models.

Strategic Planning (Planning & Visioning)

Incorporating beauty, these tools help harmoniously shape the community's future:

• Logic Models (Structure): Links resources and outcomes for organised planning.
• Theory of Change (Narrative): Illustrates the story from inputs to impacts.
• Balanced Scorecard (Transparency): Provides performance metrics for open evaluation.
• Scenario Planning (Education): Prepares communities with knowledge for possible futures.
• Community Readiness Model (Narrative): Measures a community's preparedness for unfolding their story.
• Asset Mapping (Education): Emphasises community strengths for informed decisions.
• Outcome Mapping (Transparency): Chronicles observable changes.
• Impact Pathways (Narrative): Narrates the roadmap to envisioned outcomes.

Problem-Solving Techniques (Addressing Issues & Designing Solutions)

These techniques resonate with the pillar of goodness, emphasising ethical solutions for the community's betterment:

• Design Thinking (Narrative): Fuses empathy and innovation to shape stories.
• Root Cause Analysis & 5 Whys Analysis (Transparency): Seeks authentic solutions.
• Brainstorming (Education): Encourages informed idea generation.
• Lean Startup Methodology (Structure): Prioritises structured feedback-driven iterations.
• Participatory Action Research (PAR) (Transparency): Involves community members openly.
• Consensus Building (Narrative): Weaves a collective story through agreement.
• Appreciative Inquiry (Beauty): Builds on the beauty of past successes.
• Mind Mapping (Education): Visually structures knowledge.
• Six Thinking Hats (Education): Diversifies thought processes.
• Fishbone Diagram (Transparency): Visualises the causes of problems.
• Feedback Loops (Structure): Ensures organised relevance through feedback.
• Conflict Resolution Techniques (Goodness): Ethically addresses disputes.
• Open Space Technology (Narrative): Empowers community members to craft their stories.
• World Café (Education): Fosters collective intelligence.
• Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) (Beauty): Elevates community strengths in harmony.

As we weave the P=ENTS methodology into community building, we not only follow a compass guided by truth, beauty and goodness but also ensure our community's growth is informed, harmonious and benevolent. 

By adopting and adapting these techniques, communities can harness their inherent strengths, navigate their unique challenges and write their ever-evolving story.