Impact Trust • Working glossary
Signal spotting
Systematically observing and documenting early signs of emerging risks or opportunities or signs of change - shifts in tone, behaviour, micro-aggressions could all indicate emergent issues.
Details
Our Take
Accessible and action-oriented; one of the better pieces of language in this space. The challenge is in the 'how' not the 'what.' Frontline National Society workers have a massive comparative advantage: they see things before headquarters does. The bilateral programme's value lies partly in creating channels for those frontline signals to reach people who can act on them.
Synonyms/Variants
Trend spotting / Early Warning Signals / Foresight sensing
Typical everyday wording
Watching for early signs of change
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