Advantaged Thinking is the name for a philosophy developed by Colin Falconer at UK Foyer Federation in 2011. It applies an asset-based focus to shape positive services and systems for young people. You can read more about the background to Advantaged Thinking here
Advantaged Thinking moves the dial from 'how do we help people cope with problems' to 'how can we equip people to thrive?". It's about investing in positives, doing things smartly, and creating meaningful change. Advantaged Thinking wants to challenge the negative, reactive mindsets that often 'disadvantage' young people. Instead of seeking to fix poorly understood problems with the wrong tools, Advantaged Thinking believes we best help young people when we work with them to recognise what is good is in their lives, and together create what will be good tomorrow.
This quiz is designed to encourage you to reflect on seven key areas or 'tests' that Advantaged Thinking shines a light on. It will help you begin to assess where you can develop your own approach to Advantaged Thinking.
For each question, click on the one answer that best describes you and your service. If you can, take time to reflect on each question with colleagues to find out what Advantaged Thinking ideas and conversations it can spark. Use the tool to help you get ready to develop an Advantaged Thinking approach.
'Get Ready for Advantaged Thinking' was originally designed by InspireChilli for Foyer Federation (c) 2016.
You understand what an Advantaged Thinking approach means, with an insight into how and where to express it in services working with young people. Your next step as a leader might be to:
a) see how far you can embed Advantaged Thinking into your surrounding culture and processes;
b) encourage the development of Advantaged Thinking practice to flourish into the future;
c) step-up the game to influence funders, commissioners and other services to adopt a more Advantaged Thinking vision.
Identify any actions in your Advantaged Thinking Plan.
You have a reasonable grasp of what Advantaged Thinking is, and can understand its meaning in some contexts of practice, although there is still room to grow a stronger Advantaged Thinking approach.
As a natural explorer, you will probably already begin to see how you can do more to increase Advantaged Thinking's potential emphasis, integration and impact.
What can you celebrate, and where you can grow, in order to become a true leader?
Identify any priorities in your Advantaged Thinking Plan.
You have some insights into what Advantaged Thinking means, but perhaps you are still more used to a traditional focus on 'disadvantage'.
Take time to explore the Advantaged Thinking tests and what they mean to you and your service.
Look out for Advantaged Thinking resources and use your Advantaged Thinking plan to begin to develop some practical steps to further your commitment.
7) How do you challenge and influence the world around you to be more positive in its perceptions of young people?