Looking for Answers

Monday July 15, 2024

I find myself increasingly skeptical of all answers out there - leadership, trust, communication, agile methodologies, design thinking, culture building, change management, artificial intelligence, community building, human resources— and so on. And I've promoted a few, in my time.! These concepts, often lauded as silver bullets, promise to solve all the stubborn problems of, well ... people. But lately, I'm not so sure.

The more I see these 'solutions' proliferate, the more I notice a pattern of over-promise and under-deliver. It's not that they're bad ideas; many of them are fundamentally sound. The issue lies in the over-enthusiasm and the unrealistic expectations that often accompany them. Touted as quick fixes to deep-seated issues, and when they inevitably fall short, they leave a trail of disillusionment.

This growing skepticism has led me to turn inward. Instead of seeking external solutions, I'm asking myself more personal and profound questions. Who do I want to be? How can I develop in a way that is genuine and impactful? Who do I want to collaborate with to make a tangible difference in my little corner of the world? These questions feel more pressing and relevant than ever. They direct my focus inward, encouraging me to cultivate authenticity and meaningful connections with people I deeply trust.

In a world saturated with good ideas and lofty promises, it's easy to become jaded. But I believe there's a path forward—one that involves honest self-reflection and a commitment to personal growth. By focusing on who we are and who we want to become, we can create a ripple effect that positively impacts those around us. It’s about making our little bit of the world better for others, one step at a time.

So, instead of getting lost in the noise of over-promised solutions, let's turn our attention to what truly matters. Let's build trust, foster genuine communication, and cultivate communities that thrive on authenticity. In doing so, we may just find the answers we’ve been seeking all along.

"Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I have begun to change myself" - Rumi