ABSTRACT
The starting point for multi-stakeholder collaborations for SDG implementation is always an intention to change or improve an issue of common concern, solve a problem, or tackle a challenge together. People, not necessarily institutions, create ideas and intentions. Yet, collaboration requires bringing many stakeholders on board, and building a collaboration ecosystem that is able to deliver transformative change. Navigating the complexity of dialogue and cooperation is an art that requires skills in understanding how to collectively lead processes that enliven constructive interaction between stakeholders. The route to impact in sustainability transformations needs to be consciously built, designed, and iteratively adjusted. Success depends, to a large extent, on the quality of leading transformative change collectively that enhances the resilience of cross-sector dialogues, platforms, initiatives, and partnerships. The chapter introduces the process methodology of the Dialogic Change Model as a roadmap for taking collaboration to success. It shows how complex multi-stakeholder collaborations can be managed in four phases that require different approaches to navigating change. It will also explore how enhancing the dimensions of the Collective Leadership Compass in each of the four different phases helps collaboration ecosystems deliver results.
