?? The Theory of Everything (or Nothing?): How 'Theoretical' Became an Excuse to Dismiss Growth ??

Ever heard someone dismiss an idea as "too theoretical" or "just academic"? It’s become a common reflex, particularly in corporate and practical spaces, to treat anything labelled as theoretical with suspicion, almost as if theory itself is somehow disconnected from reality. But let’s think about what theory actually represents.

Isn't theory simply the distillation of countless people's practical experiences, packaged to help us learn faster? It takes complex human learning and extracts the patterns—much like how a movie script encapsulates hundreds of hours of work into a two-hour cinematic experience. Theory is the gift of accumulated wisdom, passed down so that we can avoid starting from scratch every time we face a challenge.

When someone uses "theoretical" as a pejorative term, are they, in fact, raising a flag that indicates their own discomfort or lack of understanding? Growth mindset teaches us that learning isn't about immediate, tangible results; it’s about embracing discomfort and building bridges from the unknown to the known. Growth starts in the mind, and theoretical insights are often the scaffolding we need to construct those new pathways.

The Studios vs. Citizen Kane: The Power of Misunderstood Theory

Take the story of Citizen Kane. Orson Welles, a young and audacious filmmaker, crafted what many consider the greatest movie of all time. He brought in theories from theatre, radio, and classic storytelling to revolutionize filmmaking. But the film almost never made it to theaters. The studios, fueled by fear and a vested interest in maintaining the status quo, attempted to block its release. They saw Welles’ radical approach as too risky, too new, perhaps even too theoretical. They were uncomfortable with the unknown.

In hindsight, we see that Citizen Kane wasn’t a triumph in spite of its theory-driven approach; it was a triumph because of it. Welles combined practical knowledge with theoretical frameworks—ideas about deep focus, non-linear narrative, and character complexity—that elevated the film beyond what anyone had ever seen. The same resistance to theory that almost killed Citizen Kane is what we sometimes encounter today in organisational change and innovation.

Theory in Change Management and Learning Organisations

In change management, the dismissal of theoretical insights can become a major stumbling block. Many organisations fall back on what's comfortable, viewing frameworks and structured approaches as disconnected from the realities of day-to-day work. But in truth, learning organisations thrive on theory because they understand that every practical success starts with a theoretical insight. Theory gives us a roadmap. It’s the compass that helps us navigate through uncharted waters.

Growth mindset—a concept thoroughly backed by theory—tells us that ability is not fixed and that we can develop through dedication and hard work. It helps us to recognize that when something feels too abstract or complex, that’s precisely where growth lies. Instead of rejecting theory, a growth mindset encourages us to lean into it, use it to guide experimentation, and apply it practically.

Cultural Evolution: Theory, Practice, and the Mexican Example

Think of Mexico’s rich cultural heritage. It’s a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity, where theoretical knowledge passed down through generations informs practical applications today. Whether it's in art, like Diego Rivera's murals, or in the film industry’s modern resurgence with directors like Guillermo del Toro, there is a constant interplay between the theoretical and the practical. Mexico’s cultural resilience shows us that when theory is understood and respected, it becomes the backbone of lasting innovation.

A Call to Reconsider Theory

So, how does all this connect back to the idea of theory being dismissed as impractical? We need to challenge that narrative. We should understand that theory is an abstraction born from practical successes and failures, the lessons of the past distilled into actionable knowledge for the future. It is a key ingredient for any learning organisation and any leader seeking meaningful change.

Let’s embrace theory, not as something that is "less real" but as the accumulated reality of countless others who came before us. Whether we are leading a project, managing organisational change, or even creating something as ambitious as Citizen Kane, theory is our guide, and embracing it is a sign of growth, not weakness.

?? What do you think? Have you ever dismissed an idea because it seemed too "theoretical"? Let's discuss how we can bridge the gap between theory and practice, and how we can use these insights to drive meaningful change in our lives and work. ??