Subtitle
“The fierce urgency of now”
Overview
This pattern, which I have been tempted to title, “Destinal Challenge” or “Defining Challenge,” is more “practical” in nature than Compelling Journey, for example, but is nevertheless applicable at virtually every level, from enterprise-wide strategy development to project team implementation. It draws upon the practice of “contradiction analysis” as applied by the Institute of Cultural Affairs in comprehensive village development efforts and corporate strategy workshops. It answers questions such as, “What would make the greatest difference,” “What is the root cause underneath all other problems,” “What is the greatest obstacle to authentic change.” It is the “worthy adversary” that requires and draws out the best from an entire team, and when the Worthy Challenge is overcome, the actual results may surprisingly exceed expectations by redefining what was possible.
