Remember that explorers and pioneers,
followed by the settlers, make progress. We can be certain that we can change
systems if we follow the path taken by the explorers and pioneers.
Explorers of
Today
We must remember that the explorer of today,
particularly in restructuring systems, must come up with numerous possible
solutions to our numerous failed societal structures. The explorer of today
must not only think outside the box, but design his own box, and imagine the
“impossible” for how our society should operate.
Remember that the explorer of today must find
a path through an uncharted wilderness of policies and paperwork. The explorers
of today must take the time to delve into the depths of the very systems which
the explorers want to change.
These explorers must also take time to
develop contacts, both within the area they wish to change, and with other
explorers and pioneers who also desire to change these systems.
The explorers must also share their radical
ideas with other explorers, often gathering together to discuss their radical
approaches and learn from each other, thereby fostering greater creativity and
better proposed solutions among all involved.
Pioneers of
Today
Remember that the pioneer of today invests
his time into learning technical skills, learning the workings of systems, and
making contacts. The pioneers of today investigate all possible solutions that
other explorers have proposed.
Above all the pioneers of today must be open
minded as they look through all proposed designs, as they sift through the
benefits and limitations of each solution. The pioneer must never dismiss the
proposal just because it sounds crazy (that is what the gunslingers do).
Instead, the pioneers must be able to see the potential, to imagine the
impossible as reality, and to think creatively on how to turn these designs
into actual operation.
Settlers
Have Built the Walls, Pioneers must Rebuild the Structure
We must remember that the settler has built bureaucratic
walls to prohibit the explorer and pioneer, and yet, the explorer and pioneer
must continue to push for change regardless.
We must remember that explorers and pioneers
must work to not only make systems more humane, but also make changes in the
very structure of systems so that future progress in changing these systems becomes
easier.
Settlers of
Today, and Practical Details for Pioneers
We must remember that most settlers are
uncomfortable with change, particularly with the new approaches being proposed
by the pioneers. And yet the pioneers and explorers must continue to educate the
settlers on the benefits of the new approach.
We must remember that there are many settlers
who would like the new system, but cannot imagine it. They cannot see it. This,
the explorers and pioneers must demonstrate the new system, with visuals and
descriptors, down to the smallest detail, so that the settlers in the audience
can understand.
And of those settlers that can understand it,
many settlers are not sure that it can really be done. Again, the pioneers and
settlers must provide an outline of how we get from here to there.
The good news is that if the settlers in the audience
understand and approve of the solution, the most difficult part of the
objective has been accomplished. Getting the settlers to believe in the vision
is the most crucial part. But until they are receptive to the solution, no
settler will be receptive to any plan of how to achieve the goal.
Better
Solutions are Available – If we Believe they are Possible
Thus, better solutions are available -
solutions that we have not even conceived of yet. By gathering a group of
people who work closely with the system, by explaining immutable factors which
they could not have known otherwise, and by allowing them to brainstorm
solutions, I guarantee you that solutions will be created.
As I mentioned in the preface, before we can
find solutions, we must believe we can find solutions. Once we believe solutions
can be made, I guarantee you that the solutions will come.
Notes
This article was originally written as part of the book “Making
America Great”, published 1995 and 2003.
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