We live in the post-pandemic emergence where we still have COVID19, Monkeypox, skyrocketing inflation and stagflation, a looming recession, significant mental health issues, stock market crashes, historic levels of division and polarization, conflicts and wars in many parts of the world, natural disasters, and many other social ills.
We are not buying this idea that individuals could not and will not be able to affect any transformational changes in these so called 'wicked problems.' We can do something, in fact, we can achieve larger impacts more than we can imagine. I saw that in my lifetime and in our parents and grandparents' generation.
In my book: "Provocateurs not Philanthropists: Turning Good Intentions into Global Impact," everyday leaders, engineers, nurses, shop owners, psychiatrists, IT business owners, students, like you and me can bring a whole-of-system leadership approach to those we are serving with local communities partners in the developing countries. You might be giving a cash donation during a disaster in Haiti, the Philippines, or doing more for the people affected by the current crisis in Ukraine. Yes, this book is all about that and more.
We are not buying this idea that individuals could not and will not be able to affect any transformational changes in these so called 'wicked problems.' We can do something, in fact, we can achieve larger impacts more than we can imagine. I saw that in my lifetime and in our parents and grandparents' generation.
In my book: "Provocateurs not Philanthropists: Turning Good Intentions into Global Impact," everyday leaders, engineers, nurses, shop owners, psychiatrists, IT business owners, students, like you and me can bring a whole-of-system leadership approach to those we are serving with local communities partners in the developing countries. You might be giving a cash donation during a disaster in Haiti, the Philippines, or doing more for the people affected by the current crisis in Ukraine. Yes, this book is all about that and more.
The Global Impact Leadership Framework
A few examples of provocative insights from the book:
The difference between Doing Better than just Doing no Harm
Heroes and do-gooders miss a huge amount of impacts, not because of “doing more” but by not adopting what works already. Self-proclaimed messiahs don’t add up to greater clarity. Leaders need new paradigms to account for the messy realities we live in to become competent in this role.
How to Play the Long Game
People, projects, and charitable activities are very short-sighted and focus on short-term gains. We need to go beyond the palpable need we see, to know what brings about real change in communities. Learn to bring about effectiveness by asking the right questions.
Learning from Mistakes without the guilt and shame
There's a plethora of introspections and reviews. Blame game happens. Mistakes can guide our actions and provide the impetus for improvements. Learn from your mistakes and better yet, from the mistakes of others.
Accessing your Ignorance and Borrowing Shamelessly
Admit it. You don't know what you don't know. Stopping at ignorance is deadlier than trying and failing.
You can learn to embrace failure and use ambiguity as starting points for greater success to cultivate innovation.
One person = Many Impacts
Don't you ever think that one person or with a small band of volunteers means less impact? Wrong. It's not about your size but the size of your vision and your impact-orientation.
Envision the end you Intend
Endings with community partners are great ways to ensure that relationships evolve, grow, and mature over time. You should plan your exit from the beginning, not when you're done and ready to leave.
Dare the Impossible
We live in a world of hyperglobalization and interconnectedness, yet inequalities deprive millions of the benefits of technologies we take for granted. One home-grown innovation is a giant leap for communities that are yearning for progress, prosperity, and autonomy. Learn to find better ideas in unlikely or even under-resourced places, bringing innovation to the margins.
The difference between Doing Better than just Doing no Harm
Heroes and do-gooders miss a huge amount of impacts, not because of “doing more” but by not adopting what works already. Self-proclaimed messiahs don’t add up to greater clarity. Leaders need new paradigms to account for the messy realities we live in to become competent in this role.
How to Play the Long Game
People, projects, and charitable activities are very short-sighted and focus on short-term gains. We need to go beyond the palpable need we see, to know what brings about real change in communities. Learn to bring about effectiveness by asking the right questions.
Learning from Mistakes without the guilt and shame
There's a plethora of introspections and reviews. Blame game happens. Mistakes can guide our actions and provide the impetus for improvements. Learn from your mistakes and better yet, from the mistakes of others.
Accessing your Ignorance and Borrowing Shamelessly
Admit it. You don't know what you don't know. Stopping at ignorance is deadlier than trying and failing.
You can learn to embrace failure and use ambiguity as starting points for greater success to cultivate innovation.
One person = Many Impacts
Don't you ever think that one person or with a small band of volunteers means less impact? Wrong. It's not about your size but the size of your vision and your impact-orientation.
Envision the end you Intend
Endings with community partners are great ways to ensure that relationships evolve, grow, and mature over time. You should plan your exit from the beginning, not when you're done and ready to leave.
Dare the Impossible
We live in a world of hyperglobalization and interconnectedness, yet inequalities deprive millions of the benefits of technologies we take for granted. One home-grown innovation is a giant leap for communities that are yearning for progress, prosperity, and autonomy. Learn to find better ideas in unlikely or even under-resourced places, bringing innovation to the margins.
"We all want to make an impact on the world - to leave it better than we found it - but this can feel overwhelming and confusing. Maiden Manzanal-Frank has written the ultimate guide to understanding impact, backed with research and first-hand experience, and practical steps to start giving back today. No matter where you are in your life or career, this book will change your life!"
Dr. Marshall Goldsmith -Thinkers50 #1 Executive Coach and New York Times bestselling author of Triggers, Mojo, and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There.
"The World is full of people who mean well and have good intentions to solve global issues, but many wonder how ? Here is a book that focuses on 'Impact' vs tick in the box good works, now you can have measurable impact in all you want to do
Dr Ravi A Fernando
Chairman/CEO -Global Strategic Corporate Sustainability Pvt. Ltd and Executive in Residence INSEAD Business School.
We need system change », is often heard when talking about solutions for the many crises the world is going through. For that we need leaders who urge for radical change, out of the box, and start building a new system on all levels. You could call them “provocateurs”, the ones that provoke change towards a sustainable, fair and humane society. We have many of those provocateurs already, but we need more ! This easy reading book will wake up the audience and let them recognize how to become an impact leader towards the urgently needed system change.
Leida Rijnhout – Chief Executive World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO)
Are you a Provocateur?
Do you have what it takes?
Take the free Self-Assessment Now
Do you want to know where you are in this journey to self-discovery to achieving more impact in the world as a Provocateur?
Would you want to step up to what you are currently doing to enhance your skills, knowledge, and understanding of the art and science of positive provocation? AKA The Global Impact Leadership Framework
Do you believe in leaving a great legacy now by becoming the best Provocateur in your organization, network, community, and in solidarity with purpose-driven initiatives around the world?
If the answer Yes, go ahead and get the Assessment Questions Now. If not, read more about it and ask great questions.
Hint: There are no wrong and right answers in this process:)
Would you want to step up to what you are currently doing to enhance your skills, knowledge, and understanding of the art and science of positive provocation? AKA The Global Impact Leadership Framework
Do you believe in leaving a great legacy now by becoming the best Provocateur in your organization, network, community, and in solidarity with purpose-driven initiatives around the world?
If the answer Yes, go ahead and get the Assessment Questions Now. If not, read more about it and ask great questions.
Hint: There are no wrong and right answers in this process:)