I have studied and worked in societies where the populace expect major decisions taken and implemented by others. This might be described as the high torque group. I have also done so in high performance teams, make decisions to influence impacts across organisations, etc. Amidst all the permutations in decision making, I have noticed that some people are preoccupied with “big ideas” without plans to implement them.
Of the “high torque” group, it’s understandable that most people are waiting for others to make decisions. To turn the big ideas into something such as project plans will require a number of steps. However, in the second group, let’s call them “high potential“, there appears to be a problem where big ideas are not translated into plans and work packages. The main reason for this is the beholders of big ideas are content with them being big ideas, i.e. implementation is not important or not necessary.
There will be many reasons for such a situation. It is a shame that such big ideas are not tested, not shared more widely, and we will never know their outcome. It has made me think whether giving such big ideas liberally is a way for people to deflect from possible solutions, and to take responsibility for the solutions. But that’s too simple a way to approach this. For example, taking a big ideas approach can help us see the big picture and develop prioritisation of components of the big ideas, as well any interdependencies.
it is true that we might not have the time and space on understanding the big ideas. Sometimes solving immediate problems is the only thing we can do, where we can commit resources to. It is something that directly provides for a need. “High torque” people will be required in many situations, as well as “high potential” people. Very few of us are in only one side.
The discipline here is that whether taking the big ideas approach is becoming a habit, and a clear sign for that is whether any progress has been made in achieving the big ideas. If a big idea remains so for a long time, months, years, that big idea is probably beyond our means or impractical. Perhaps it’s time to change it or at least stop recalling it regularly.
