How Often Do We Encounter Hassles?
A tool to add to our See-Judge-Act methods
“Blessed be you, mighty matter, irresistible march of evolution, reality ever newborn; you who, by constantly shattering our mental categories, force us to go ever further and further in our pursuit of the truth.” ~ Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
If you read the booklet The Art of Hassle Map Thinking" by Adrian Slywotzky and Karl Weber. The basic premise is that all great solutions can be developed by using a concept called Hassle Map thinking. Let’s face it: All too often, life is a succession of hassles. There are endless frustrations, inconveniences, complications, disappointments, and potential disasters lurking in our daily experiences, especially as we try to be ministers, educators, doers, and followers. A hassle map combined with the SJA methods helps us to SEE better, and if we see better, then we know what to JUDGE more precisely, enabling what we ACT upon with more precision and accuracy. Hassle Maps are a visual representation of all the negative experiences a person or a team goes through when interacting with our missional goals, service, or process, including teaching. It helps us to identify and eliminate pain points in the journey, leading to a more positive and satisfying experience.
Adrian Slywotzky coined the concept of “hassle maps.” He defines them as a way to "map out all the actual steps that characterize one's negative experiences.”
If we reflect, we spend most of our analysis time dealing with negative effects. It is what Joseph Cardijn was addressing, and we know it is what Jesus was addressing.
Hassle maps combined with the See-Judge-Act method can be created for any journey, from teaching new classes, programs, and parish initiatives to interacting with peace and justice programs. They can be as simple as a handwritten list or as complex as a detailed diagram with symbols and notations.
The key elements of a hassle map include:
SEE:~Steps: Identify each step in the customer journey from start to finish. Identify the ~ Pain points: For each step, identify the pain points or frustrations you and others are experiencing. This could include things like long wait times, confusing instructions, or who wins and who loses,
JUDGE: ~What is the impact, and how do you feel about it? : Assess the emotional impact of each pain point. This could include things like frustration, anger, or anxiety. Who are the people involved? What is happening that is undesirable? Why is it happening? Why does it continue? Assess the impact of each pain point. What are the causes of the issue or situation? (historical, political, economic, social or cultural) What are the consequences? How are these elements linked? Who are the key actors? (subjects, agents of influence, decision-makers)
ACT: ~ What can we do to bridge the gap between what is happening (the reality) and what should be happening (the ideal/what our faith says)? What action are we going to take? Who can we involve in our actions? What plan needs to be developed to move forward? How do we overcome obstacles and naysayers? Is the solution a service for the poor or marginalized? Will our action and plan lead to better education or raising awareness? Advocacy & transformation of causes/mobilization? 4. Formation of faith?
REFLECT: ~ When you have your map drawn out, and the team reflects upon the map, include the following:
Do a “Theological Reflection”: What does it mean to us as followers of Jesus and those working to bring about the kingdom of God here and now? Are Gospel values, especially the Sermon on the Mount, being upheld or denied? How do the Scriptures and early writings of the Patristic teachers speak to this issue or situation? How do the thinking and actions of St. Francis, St. Ignatius of Loyola, and others blend into the solution? How do the ethical principles of Catholic Social Teaching, especially current, speak to this issue or situation? What does Church teaching, particularly the Encyclicals and the Documents of Vatican II, have to say about the solution? Can the community experience through time help us discern this situation or issue? Where do we see benefits coming from past traditions?
The hassle map identifies pain points from the users, or participants’ perspective, such as having to fill out a form, waiting in line, and having to seek permission all the time.
Hassle maps are a valuable tool for people who want to improve their experience. By identifying and eliminating pain points, organizations can create a more positive and satisfying experience for their people, which can lead to increased ministry and commitment.
Hassle Maps charting the vision uncovered through the See-Judge-Act method.
The Hassle Map is a tool that can be used to map out key negative aspects of personal and organizational experiences. Hassle Maps can help navigate through changing circumstances to help maintain close personal relationships and ensure that the organization provides what is needed to bring the Kingdom of God here and now.
So in conclusion, Slywotsky defined a Hassle Map as:
“…a hassle map defines all the actual steps that characterize the negative experiences of the customer… Where are the emotional hot spots, the irritations, the frustrations, the time wasted, the delay? Where are the economic hot spots? … What are the ways that businesses can radically improve the hassle map for both the customer and themselves?”
To learn more, I am attaching the free Hassle Map booklet.
Photo DIHL & GUÉRHARD [PARIS] (1780-1829) Pair of Infants, one drawing, one reading late 18th century RCIN 55434
