PATTERNS

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Message Smalls Big Potential Pave the way for impact by striking a balance between the small and the big Attempting to solve large-scale social challenges can be an overwhelming task. They are the domain of messy, interdependent, complicated issues, outdated models, and often mired in the status quo. It’s not unusual to face a paralysis in action or become stuck in endless debate when attempting change within this environment. Added to that is the tendency to polarize across two extremes: either assume that these massive challenges demand even bigger solutions, or avoid the complexity all together by focusing details in isolation, too small to have any impact. The reality is, it’s not either/or. Embracing the tension, and connecting small to a bigger purpose, can unlock huge potential. Increasingly we are seeing old industries, large organizations, and big systems all exploring ways to seed new solutions that challenge old norms and reconnecting with their potential to act small. Armed with new tools, suddenly both small and big take on new meaning. It’s now easier to connect, collaborate, and align small actions around a bigger purpose. It’s not simply about small in large volume, but rather, the ability to focus the power of small in service of new purpose, big impact, and positive outcomes. Link: http://patterns.ideo.com/issue/smalls_big_potential/ PDF: http://patterns.ideo.com/images/uploads/pdf/patterns_vol4_small_final_lr.pdf