The Measure – Reduce – Model has switched to Measure – Balance – Reduce to offer and deliver positive action.  This means the Positive Deviance (PD) 4D process has more to contribute at the Reduce stage when there is more variability and sharing ideas will add most value.

We’ve often revisited our earlier model which suggests the combination of causal conditions that help explain outcomes. Originally designed for information management projects, they’re rapidly changing.

Ten years on, MRB model changed completely due to technology and audiences.  Top down, internal control driven models are outdated (see above) and low carbon interventions can’t rely on internal forces to get things moving.

Able & Willing Champions (aka Outliers or Influencers).  Willing means (preferably young) people who are already motivated to take action.  Able means they are provided with effective learning to understand how they can make a difference. 

Professional Facilitators. The one to many people who support the champions and their communities as they grow and evolve.  The successful use of ideas from PD vital here to allow the effective transfer of ownership.  Latest ‘big data’ ideas have special resonance.

Positive Sponsors.  The people who as a minimum, pay the annual balancing fee. Ideally much more, and provide moral as well as financial support.  Ideally linked with the community or the club or organisations that it consists of, but anyone keen to see Positive Action will do.

In the past, these have acted in a substitutable relationship signified by logical or. This is certain to change as future research identifies new causal combinations.