Bootsraps &
Benefits
2.
Bootstraps &
Benefits
Benefits:
Persons inclined to focus on what society can do to improve the circumstances of groups of people—will tell us that a lot more needs to be done to eliminate poverty.
Boostraps:
Persons inclined to focus on what individuals can do to improve their own circumstances—will tell us that over 50 years ago, the federal government launched an expensive, all-out War on Poverty and lost.
Taking a Bootstraps-and-Benefits approach means establishing a shared endgame where the objectives and parameters are clear, the language is defined, the progress is measured, and the process is adapted—over and over without an attitude of accusation, allegation, or fault finding.
In brief:
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Establish a shared endgame.
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Define the terms.
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Set SMART goals
(Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound).
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Measure. Adapt. Measure. Adapt
End Game.
To have a shared endgame, we must establish specific goals, define the terms, measure the outcomes, and adapt the procedures based on the findings.
Taking a Bootstraps-and-Benefits approach means starting with a shared endgame, not a hidden agenda—no matter how noble we believe our intentions and agendas to be.
Benefits are inspired by the enormity of the goal:
We want the world to be happier
and bootstraps prefer a more specific goal:
We want Tennessee to be happier by the end of 2023.
Circles understands the humanitarian (Benefits) nature of resolving poverty,
as well as the economic imperative (Bootstraps).
Assumptions & Allegations.
Bootstraps believe anything is possible. They look around and see what they perceive as opportunities. They ask:
“What can individuals do now to improve their future?”
Benefits believe systems drive solutions. They look around and see what they perceive as challenges. They ask:
“What can we all do now to improve our future?”
Benefits fear that Bootstraps want to dismantle all safety nets
and leave people vulnerable or worse.
Bootstraps fear that Benefits want to keep people dependent on
safety nets to further an agenda.
Challenging Moments.
Even when there is a shared endgame, Bootstraps and Benefits will have challenging moments. What we choose to do when that happens is important.
During challenging and conflicting moments remember to “Give ‘em Five” adapted by Larry and Angela Thompson.
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Support - Supportive comments given to and for the other person
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Expectation - Expectations shared by everyone in Circles based on the Circles culture followed with fidelity
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Breakdown - Breakdown of those expectations identified and shared with one another
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Benefit - Benefits to the other person (For example, “As we learn to communicate, even when we have differing opinions, it models these important lessons for our children and gives them skills they will need to succeed.”)
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Closure - Closing the conversation, acknowledging any next steps
