How to Improve the World
Medical Republic

How to Improve the World

We have some very big problems in our world today. The climate crisis for one. War in Ukraine. Institutional racism. Wealth inequality.

Some call these "wicked" problems because there is no obvious solution, there are many contributing causes, and there is much emotion and resistance to change attached.

Such wicked problems will only be solved by convening a max-mix of diverse parties --stakeholders if you will-- who each have a "stake" in coming up with workable solutions.

In a simpler time, back in 1912, a business person named Carl G. Fisher had an idea for connecting the coasts of the USA: build a transcontinental highway from New York City to San Francisco.

According to wikipedia, Fisher was "an early automobile entrepreneur who was the manufacturer of?Prest-O-Lite?carbide-gas headlights used on most early cars, and was also one of the principal investors who built the?Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He believed that the popularity of automobiles was dependent on good roads."

He convened a dinner meeting with industry friends, where he shared with them his dream of a coast-to-coast "rock highway," to be completed "by May 1, 1915, in time for the?Panama–Pacific International Exposition?in San Francisco.?He estimated the cost at about $10?million and told the group, "Let's build it before we're too old to enjoy it!""?

Soon thereafter, the pledges of funds rolled in (with the exception of Henry Ford who "refused to contribute because he believed the government should build America's roads.")

Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson were supporters of the project.

What lessons can we glean from this story that might be applied to our wicked problems of today? Here are a few that occur to me. How about you?

  • The bigger and more "wicked" the problem, the more impossible it will be to solve. So, we need specialists in the impossible.
  • Such specialists may come from unusual places. Look at Carl Fisher, for example.
  • A superordinate goal can help align diverse stakeholders, though not all will get on board.
  • Don't expect Government to take the lead. Notice that two presidents followed Fisher's lead.
  • Real change often starts with a dream. A dream of a change that will benefit the dreamer and many other people.
  • Build a willing and motivated coalition for change.
  • Ignore the naysayers and move full-steam ahead.

About the author: Terrence "Terry" Seamon taught the course in problem solving for many years at a global pharma-chem company, leading to process improvements that helped the business to prosper. He has carried that roadmap to problem solving forward into his coaching and consulting work.

#problemsolving #wickedproblems #improvingtheworld


Cathy McCafferty- Smith, M.A LPC , CPC

Building "Multiplier" Leaders Who Engage Employees to "Stay" Versus "Exit"

1 年

Amazing insights Terrence - If a few dedicated small like minded crowds "pull" together...we can accomplish much... ... It is possible to change things ...even a big of a problem ......my first line of support-in commonality with others is faith ...second connection...third old fashioned- shining your light to attract others lights .... Example 12 chosen people carried a message that revolutionized the entire world... The U.S. was founded and fought for by a small group of oppressed/ overtaxed people and they created the United States. Two amazing "small" books that I recommend to show how to do exactly what Terrence is suggesting to us..... Read Andy Andrews@ The Butterfly Effect- How your life matters AND Andy's book "The Little Things" In it the story of the creation of the "United States" based on one military charge ...and one school teacher who led the change - solidified the US states uniting and changed the impact of the later- World War 2 from decimating the world- had the school teacher not do - what He did..One unqualified leader significantly changing the world Give it a try- gather your people- make a difference First ,read the books! I recommended Thanks \Terrence @Terrence Seamon Cathy

Neil Torino

Organizational and Business development consultant who ROCKS THE HOUSE!!

1 年

We are the solution! We need everyone to understand their role as stakeholders. Actions speak louder than words and it's time to take action to solve our problems. We need to list all our challenges, develop a plan of action and take action. We are stronger together and we need to ask ourselves as President Kennedy identified what are you going to do for your country, and the world? Prevention of future catastrophic occurrences especially the random Fires. Futuristically plan and implement ways to prevent or better prepare us to address the continuous reoccurrences of these events. Create water storage facilities near forests that are hotspots and make them large enough to have ample supply of water to address the hotspots. Use Ocean water and place environmentally friendly tanks near these forests. Create underground pumping systems that can assist the firefighters in addressing these random fires. We can probably develop more solutions, but we need to do something now. Our National Debt needs to be addressed in a creative way like reinstating investing in the USA! WE need to stop waiting for something to be done. It's time to do!

Terrence H. Seamon

Continuing on my journey to strengthen the resilience of individuals, teams, leaders, & organizations, that are navigating transitions to change.

1 年
Terrence H. Seamon

Continuing on my journey to strengthen the resilience of individuals, teams, leaders, & organizations, that are navigating transitions to change.

1 年
Terrence H. Seamon

Continuing on my journey to strengthen the resilience of individuals, teams, leaders, & organizations, that are navigating transitions to change.

1 年

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