THE EFFECTIVE PROBLEMSOLVER #069
As I reflect on my consulting projects over the past year, one recurring theme stands out vividly:
The allure of grand progress can often lead us astray from the path of genuine improvement.
This lesson is exemplified by the tragic events that unfolded in August of 2023—the deadliest U.S. wildfires in over a century ravaged Hawaii, leaving behind a trail of devastation and loss.
These wildfires, fueled by dry conditions and exacerbated by strong winds, engulfed vast swathes of land and destroyed homes, businesses, and wildlife habitats.
But a part of the tragedy lies not just in the destruction wrought by the flames, but in the choices that preceded it.
Evidence suggests that one of the likely causes of these wildfires was negligence on the part of Hawaiian Electric—a failure to prioritize essential maintenance and safety upgrades for their utility equipment.
Instead, resources were diverted to green energy initiatives, reflecting a noble but misguided prioritization of a grand vision over practical safety measures.
This week, let’s briefly explore how the allure of grand progress can blind us to the urgent realities on the ground.
Then, I’ll give you 3 defenses to help you remain vigilant and grounded in practicality.
Big Grants with Big Visions Are Often Big Mistakes
In a few cities where I’ve lent my guidance to small yet promising initiatives, I’ve witnessed their challenges firsthand.
It’s not for lack of evidence or tangible results that they’re struggling.
Rather, these endeavors often find themselves overshadowed by large, grant-funded projects promising monumental transformation.
While the allure of big budgets and sweeping change is enticing, I’ve come to realize that beneath the surface, these big initiatives – some of which I’ve led or championed in the past – are often nothing more than hollow promises.
Similar to recent systems change endeavors or short-lived collective impact organizations, these grand schemes garner widespread support because they sound impressive on paper.
However, the unfortunate truth is that no single entity takes direct responsibility for their outcomes.
They often dissolve as soon as grant funds are spent or public attention wanes.
No meaningful change results other than increased skepticism of collective action.
This leaves changemakers with a common but difficult challenge:
It's not overt opposition that hinders progress, but rather the allure of lofty aspirations that divert attention and resources away from the most prudent actions.
Failures of the Grandiose Point to a Different Approach
But even amidst – and often because of – failure, there is also opportunity for growth and introspection.
The lessons learned from the Hawaiian wildfires and failed local initiatives compel us to reassess our approach to problem-solving and social progress.
It’s a call to action to prioritize clarity and critical thinking over grandiosity and bravado.
Here are three practical ways you can adopt this pragmatic approach:
#1. Start with a Clear Understanding of the Problem
Resist the urge to rush into solutions.
Take the time to deeply understand the problem and its complexities before devising interventions.
By delving into the problem’s more fundamental causes, we can develop more meaningful and targeted approaches.
#2. Evaluate Past Initiatives and Results
Reflect on past endeavors, their promises, and their outcomes.
Learn from both successes and failures, reminding yourself how grand promises and self-promotion often fall short.
And most importantly, outline your own role in how failure occurred.
Let these lessons inform your future approaches.
#3. Reflect on Real-World Results Consistently
Embrace the use of outcome dashboards to track progress and measure success.
Too often, these invaluable tools and the reality they reflect are neglected in favor of promoting new solutions.
Stay committed to monitoring and adjusting strategies based on real-time data, ensuring your efforts remain aligned with your goals.
The Practical Reigns Supreme
So remember: The barrier to progress isn’t usually overt opposition, but rather the pervasive influence of grand aspirations and the associated desire for personal acclaim.
But we can choose something different.
We can approach our work with humility and empathy, always resisting the allure of total transformation.
By prioritizing tangible progress over grand visions, we can consistently make progress one day at a time.
See you next week.
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→ I’m a strategic advisor for the toughest societal problems like poverty, crime and homelessness. People come to me when they want to stop spinning their wheels and get transformative, systems-level change.
→ I’m a coach for emerging and executive leaders in the social and public sectors who want to make progress on their biggest goals and challenges.
Let’s find out how I can help you become transformational.
