As a young school principal I learned that when I was able to solve one problem I would invariably create a slew of new ones. I just didn’t know when or where or how they would surface. That was my initiation into the worlds of systems thinking and unintended consequences.
It was not until late in my career that I began to see how energy trapped within systems could be harnessed for good. That's what professional changemakers do, those who do changemaking for a living (aka, "social entrepreneurs") -- whether they're reducing poverty, educating our children or healing the sick.
The very energy that drives positive change can be hidden in plain view, pent-up within unproductive social systems. Potential gets trapped. All you need is to pinpoint this trapped potential and supply a little energy of your own to release and redirect it.
It was not until late in my career that I began to see how energy trapped within systems could be harnessed for good. That's what professional changemakers do, those who do changemaking for a living (aka, "social entrepreneurs") -- whether they're reducing poverty, educating our children or healing the sick.
The very energy that drives positive change can be hidden in plain view, pent-up within unproductive social systems. Potential gets trapped. All you need is to pinpoint this trapped potential and supply a little energy of your own to release and redirect it.