Dreamer, Realist, or Critic: Who Can Create a Better World?
The world's challenges are complex and seemingly endless. People may have different approaches to making meaningful contributions:
Diego may decide to focus on practical solutions and tactics in the short term, given his available capabilities and resources.
Sandy may anticipate all the risks and obstacles she will face along the way, causing her to become paralyzed by fear, doubts, or anticipated fatigue.
Milly, on the other hand, may use her energy to first imagine what an ideal world would look like.
Do you see yourself in any of these people? Are you wondering if you can bring about change in your world, or if you should dare to dream bigger? Can dreams limit or expand our possibilities?
Chances are Diego, Sandy, and Milly may not understand each other. Still, they are all united by their desire for change. It’s just that their perspectives and strategies differ. Who is right? What if I told you that Diego, Sandy, and Milly each hold a card that could play an important role in the solution? What if, to be effective, they had to play their cards in a certain order?
The Power and Limits of the Small Voice: “What If I Fail?”
Who hasn't felt stressed when thinking about the possibility of a project or mission failing? Doubt can be a powerful force in pushing us to take a step back from a current situation so we can identify blind spots and anticipate risks or obstacles. Moreover, it keeps us humble and helps us accept the uncontrollable realities on the ground.
Restraining yourself from taking risks and trying new things because of the potential risk of failure can lead to paralysis, low self-esteem, and possible depression. Even if the effects don’t go that far, limiting the scope of your ambitions to ensure you can achieve your goals may—counterintuitively and dramatically—reduce your overall impact in the long run.
For example, let’s say you decide not to join the “green task force” at work because you’re not an expert, but instead choose to focus on making zero-waste cleaning products at home. This is great for your family, but you may miss out on opportunities to learn from others and to share your valuable expertise with your colleagues—and, as a result, you risk depriving others of the benefits of your experience and wisdom!
While focusing on small, practical steps is a good way to make progress, you first need a clear and motivating end goal. Without such a goal, you may end up going nowhere. Even pragmatic approaches to change, such as the “PDCA method” (plan, do, check, act), involve setting specific objectives to define the relevant priorities and necessary steps.
The Power and Limits of the Encouraging Phrase: “But dear, what if you fly?”
Daring to dream reconnects you with what matters to you—what drives you forward on your journey. It also helps you clarify once again what you’re striving for. Envisioning a desired future not only enables you to unite your peers around a clear vision but also generates hope and energy to overcome potential obstacles along the way. As Simon Sinek said in his TED Talk, Martin Luther King did not say, “I have a plan,” but “I have a dream.” I bet that if he had anticipated all the risks along his path toward equality, I doubt he would have had so many followers and shown such resilience.
That said, the downside of dreaming is that the dream itself may fade away if it is not followed by realistic actions. Furthermore, the act of dreaming sets expectations very high. Recognizing the gap between the current situation and the expected outcome may lead some people to feel despair, confusion, anxiety, or a lack of motivation when it comes to taking practical steps.
The key to success as a Changemaker? Finding harmony between your inner Diego, Sandy, and Milly.
Maintaining an ambitious vision on the one hand and being pragmatic on the other allows us to develop and follow a realistic roadmap for tackling a challenge. This is essential for solving critical issues such as poverty, pollution, gender inequalities, and biodiversity loss. Great leaders and changemakers are impressive, but they are not superheroes.
As my great friend and coach, Magalie would say, they act as “pragmatic dreamers” by embodying the change they want to see in the world. They know how to surround themselves with a variety of personalities who offer insights they might otherwise miss. They also know when to recognize their various inner voices and when to listen to the right one. Are you wondering how to do that?
UPDATING YOUR CHANGE
The Tool
I often use a coaching method called the Walt Disney technique with my clients and myself when we want to bring our aspirations to life. I find that this way of thinking helps us learn how to navigate uncertainty while building resilience and inner security. It also reminds us of the power of teamwork and the richness of diverse perspectives.
This approach was developed by NLP pioneer Robert Dilts. Why that name? Because, according to Dilts, Walt Disney was a genius at connecting imagination with business strategy and public enthusiasm. The Disney Creativity Strategy—sometimes called the Tri-Positioning method—orchestrates the interplay of three vital roles for the client: the dreamer, the realist, and the critic.
By taking on the role of the dreamer first, clients are able to acknowledge and embrace their vision without limiting themselves.
Once inspired by the value and potential positive ripple effects of their project, clients can adopt the perspective of a realist and pragmatist. This perspective encourages clients to organize their ideas and assess their priorities.
The third essential step allows the client to constructively and kindly challenge their plan. They allow themselves to look for potential difficulties. Note that this is not the dramatic, French-style criticism that is expected here. Rather, it is the kind of pointed feedback you might receive from a critical yet caring mentor or good friend.
Clients then resume their role as realists to come up with concrete solutions.
Once their strategies are refined, clients can further develop their vision of their dream.
All three roles work together seamlessly to channel clients' creativity in an effective way.
The Mantra
“‘Theonly thing we are sure to fail at is what we don’t try.’ ”
Now it's your turn: are you up for a challenge?
Think of one of your hopes or projects. Choose the role you feel most comfortable with (i.e., Dreamer, Realist, Critic), and think of two friends or colleagues who could naturally play the other two roles in real life. Ask yourself:
What would [name of the dreamer] see?
What would [name of the Realist] want to start?
What would [name of the Critic] warn me about?
What would I commit myself to doing so that I could turn my dream into a glimmer of reality?
If you want an extra boost of motivation, send me a message or post your goal and the first step on LinkedIn and tag me! I'll support you by acting as both a critical and encouraging friend.
Feel free to share how this article resonates with you—I’d love to hear from you. Also, if you’d like support in becoming the leader you want to be for the world you envision, contact me! Here’s a form to help you further explore your ambitions and challenges: English / French
