Visionary, realist, or critic: Who can create a better world?
The world’s challenges are complex and, in a sense, endless. Strategies for helping to bring about a more humane and nature-friendly world vary:
Diego decides to focus on practical tactics and solutions given the capabilities and resources available in the short term.
Sandy anticipates all the risks and obstacles along the way, which makes her feel held back by fear, doubts, and weariness.
Milly, on the other hand, uses her energy to imagine what an ideal world would look like.
Do you see yourself in any of these people? Do you sometimes wonder if you’re capable of making a difference in the world? Should you dare to dream bigger? Do dreams limit or expand your horizons?
It’s highly likely that Diego, Sandy, and Milly don’t understand each other. Yet they’re all united by their desire for change. Only their perceptions and strategies differ. So, who’s right? What if I told you that all three of them have 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 Little Inner Voice: “What If I Fail?”
Who hasn't felt stressed at the thought of a project or assignment failing? Doubt can help us take a step back from a situation. We then assess any blind spots to anticipate risks and obstacles. When faced with doubt, we become humble again and realize everything that is beyond our control.
That said, refusing to take risks or even try something new because of the potential risk of failure can lead to a sense of paralysis, low self-esteem, and even a degree of depression. Even if the effects aren’t quite as dramatic, limiting our ambitions to ensure we carry out all our plans can, counterintuitively, reduce our overall impact in the long run.
Let’s say you decide not to join the new network of volunteers working to create a more environmentally friendly workplace because you don’t feel qualified. Instead, you decide to make zero-waste products at home. That’s great for your family. However, you risk missing out on an opportunity to learn from others and share your valuable expertise with your colleagues. Ultimately, you risk depriving others of the benefits of your experience and wisdom!
Finally, while focusing on small, practical steps is a good way to make progress, we first need a clear and ambitious end goal. Without such a goal, we risk ending up nowhere. Even pragmatic approaches to change, such as the “PDCA method” (Plan, Do, Check, Act), involve setting specific and challenging goals to define the relevant priorities and the steps required for change.
The Power and Limitations of the Motivational Phrase: “What if you succeed?”
Daring to dream reconnects us with what’s important to us—what keeps us moving forward on our life’s journey. It also helps us clarify what we’re aiming for at the end of the road!
Having a clear vision of our ambition allows us to unite our peers and colleagues around a common goal while generating hope and energy to overcome the obstacles along the way!
As Simon Sinek mentioned in his TED Talk, Martin Luther King didn’t say, “I have a plan,” but rather, “I have a dream.” If Martin Luther King had anticipated all the risks on the path to equality, I doubt he would have had such resilience or attracted so many followers.
That said, the risk with visionaries is that the dream itself may fade away. This can happen if it isn’t followed by realistic actions. Furthermore, dreaming sets the bar very high. Perceiving too great a gap between a given situation and the desired outcome can lead some people to feel confused, anxious, or ineffective when it comes to taking action.
A key to success? Harmony among your Diego, Sandy, and Milly INTERIORS.
Maintaining an ambitious vision on the one hand, and being pragmatic on the other, makes it possible to develop and follow a realistic roadmap for tackling a challenge. This is particularly essential for solving pressing problems such as poverty, pollution, gender inequality, and biodiversity loss.
Great leaders and agents of change are impressive, but they’re still human. As my dear friend, a coach, would say, Magalie, they act like “pragmatic dreamers” by embodying the change they want to see in the world.
They know how to surround themselves with a variety of people who provide them with the perspectives, skills, and tools they lack. They also know how to recognize the promptings of their various inner voices and know whom to listen to and when. Does this approach appeal to you?
The Path to Change
The tool
I often use a coaching method called the Walt Disney Technique—both for my clients and for myself—when I want to bring an aspiration to life. I find that this framework helps us embrace uncertainty and builds resilience and inner security. It also reminds us of the power of collective work and the richness of diverse perspectives.
This approach was modeled 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. This strategy orchestrates the interplay of three essential roles: the dreamer, the realist, and the critic.
By first taking on the role of the dreamer, clients are able to recognize and embrace their vision without limiting themselves.
Once motivated by the value and potential positive ripple effects of their project, clients can adopt the perspective of the realist and the pragmatist. This perspective encourages clients to organize their ideas and assess priorities.
The third and essential step allows the client to constructively and thoughtfully challenge their plan. Keep in mind that this isn’t the kind of sharp, French-style criticism that’s expected here. Rather, it’s the kind of feedback—critical yet considerate—that you’d receive from a mentor or a very close friend.
Clients then take on the role of the realist to propose concrete solutions.
Finally, the visionary can enhance their articulation of the project's purpose.
These three roles work together seamlessly to effectively channel clients' creativity. But to do so, each has its place and its turn to speak.
The Mantra
“‘Theonly thing we can be sure we won’t succeed at....
is the thing we don’t try.’ ”
Now it's your turn: Are you ready to take on a challenge?
Think of one of your hopes or plans. Choose the role you’re most comfortable with (e.g., visionary, realist, critic) and think of two friends or coworkers who could naturally play the other two roles in real life. Ask yourself:
What would [name of the visionary] see?-
What would [name of the realist] like to start?
What would [critic's name] warn me about?
What am I committed to doing to turn my dream into a glimmer of reality?
If you want a little extra help, send me a message or post your goal and first step on LinkedIn and tag me! I’d be happy to be your supportive and constructive friend.
Do you want to become the leader you envision for the world you hope to see? Is it time to discover and assert your leadership? Do you want to embed the concepts of positive impact and purpose at the heart of your organization? Is the challenge to accelerate engagement within your ecosystem to drive systemic change?
If your answer is yes and you’d like some guidance along the way, please contact me! Here’s a link to schedule a exploratory session and the form to further explore your goals and challenges.
