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So your business promises to improve society. How will you follow through?

My sons love to architect in the rain. They try to dam a stream one stick at a time.

A lighthearted giggle floats on the air as the boys jab their first stick into place.

The water’s always too strong, however. By the time the boys return with a second stick, the stream’s currents have removed the first, which is floating far downstream.

Challenging such a powerful problem head-on doesn’t work. You just get tossed aside.

Rebuilding the world in the rain.

Business increasingly commits to meaningful corporate social responsibility goals. You may challenge powerful social problems, like strengthening West African society. But lean directly into problems that big, and you’ll find yourself soon floating downstream with no long-term impact at all.

Instead of looking to my sons for insights, consider how beavers build a dam. Before beginning construction, beavers divert the fastest water. With the resulting freedom to operate, these three foot tall rodents construct dams over 2,000 feet long.  

So, as you begin constructing your social responsibility efforts, don’t rush to place one log after another. Take a step back and consider how you can divert the fastest water. Shifting society is about embracing observation, curiosity, and collaboration more than brawn.

Truly solving society’s problems requires new insights, tools, and strategies that shift the world. Yet watch the little boys racing twigs down a stream, and you’ll remember why you want to have a meaningful impact.

When was the last time you applied brawn, when observation and brains would have been more effective?

Next time you see a child staring blankly at their digital technology during a warm summer rain, nudge them to go play outside.

Share your thoughts in the comments or by sending me an email: info@RodWallacePhD.Com.

Our society cannot just survive. For the sake of our children, it must thrive.

Rod


Dr. Rod Wallace​ is an economist, consultant, and speaker who helps businesses make more money by solving society’s problems. A Fulbright Fellow, he has led multi-organization billion-dollar initiatives worldwide and partnered with a Silicon Valley pioneer to explore the impact of Artificial Intelligence on society. 

Rod speaks about how to integrate social responsibility into business to maximize profit and purpose. He highlights digital technology’s impact on society and the strategies and tools with which business can solve our big, systemic problems.

Contact Rod at ​info@RodWallacePhD.com​.