the 8 crafts method: explained

Why we work
this way

Most traditional approaches see change as a linear process. But in complex settings it never works like that. Plans meet reality. Priorities shift. People make trade offs. The work continues long after the plan is finished. That is why we treat change not as a one-time project but as a capability to be built and grown over time.

The 8 Crafts draws on sources that go beyond management theory. It blends inspiration from design, the arts, nature and ancestral wisdom. These perspectives help leaders face uncertainty, adapt to shifting conditions, build trust and keep momentum. It is a practical toolkit for real situations where change is messy but progress matters.

One Method.
Two Lenses

The 8 Crafts is one method you can view in two ways. One is rooted in research, the other proven in practice. Both help leaders of change understand where they stand and choose the right steps with confidence.

Rooted in science

The map view connects the 8 Crafts to research in psychology, systems change, leadership and innovation. It gives a scientific base that shows why the practices work and how they hold up.

Proven in practice

The compass view shows change as a lived cycle. It moves through imagination, insight, action, growth, decay and renewal. It helps you see where you are and what practice fits next.

"WITHIN facilitated a program in which we co-created our story and our strategy, whilst also building team cohesion and individual leadership. We ended up with a winning plan, backed by a team that is willing and able to execute."

Donica Buisman
Founder / Director RAUM

“WITHIN boosted our competency to drive change at KLM. Their approach breaks from traditional consultancy by making learning experiential, palpable almost. The 8 Crafts will help us become the frontrunner airline we aspire to be. ”

Tom Verbugt
Vice-President of Strategy, KLM

Develop Your Craft

Craft combines thoughtful leadership with effective action, developing yourself while driving meaningful change in the world. We develop craft by dedicating ourselves to projects that give us a sense of purpose. We master the crafts through learning by doing.

5 easy-to-use sections

Each of the 8 Crafts contains multiple tools and practices. Tools are practical approaches that help us achieve an outcome. Practices are means by which we strengthen our leadership. Grow your capacity to lead change effectively. Inner development and outer change as an infinite game.

Craft Legend

Inspiration Stories
Learn from pioneers and businesses who’ve paved the way for change.
Guiding Questions
Kickstart your learning with thought-provoking prompts that reframe your perspective.
Creation Tools
Get practical tools to collaborate and co-create meaningful outcomes.
Leadership Practices
Integrate mindsets and behaviors that will help you and your team thrive.
Application
Combine practices and tools from a particular craft to progress your initiative.
Explore The 8 Crafts Method

Lead in complexity 
with clarity and confidence

Futures Thinking

Futures thinking is about understanding that the future is not fixed, but instead that it can be shaped by the decisions that we make today and that we have agency in the emerging future.

Systems Thinking

Systems thinking is about seeing the connections between all parts of a system and recognizing that what we see as problems are the emergent outcomes of a deeper dynamic.

Design Thinking

Design thinking is about harnessing creativity in order to foster collaboration and solve problems. It is about constant iteration and taking a human-centered approach.

Regenerative Thinking

Regenerative thinking is about creating the conditions for thriving systems, finding a balance between seeking positive outcomes and avoiding unintended consequences.

North
↳Reflect & imagine

The North represents winter, the season of unseen beginnings, where seeds take root before sprouting. This is the space for big questions, bold ideas, and the quiet work of reimagining what’s possible.

East
↳Explore & observe

The East represents spring, the season of emergence. The sun rises, ideas take shape, and clarity unfolds. This is where inspiration turns into intention, through curiosity, systems thinking, and careful mapping.

South
↳Navigate & execute

The South represents summer, the season of doing, long days, focused work, and steady momentum. This is where ideas are built, tested, and refined, where strategy meets action.

West
↳collaborate & amplify

The West represents autumn, the season of harvest, a time to gather, share, and celebrate progress. It’s where insights are exchanged, impact is multiplied, and letting go makes space for what’s next.

"For four years they facilitated the yearly CEO summit of the World Port Climate Action Program.  We saw a noticeable increase in leaders' personal power, and in the ambition and impact of the initiatives in the program.”

Erik van der Schans
Dir. Environmental Management, Port of Rotterdam

"The 8 Crafts method offers inspiration, perspectives, and tools to drive innovation and change in diverse ways. It helps professionals discover their most natural, effective approach to solving challenges with impact and creativity."

Jordy Veth
Founder School for Mastery

identify your
next step

Take our free assessment and discover which of the 8 Crafts you’re already using — and which ones will unlock your next level of impact.