In my book, “Without Warning,” I introduce the concept of “Problem Responders.” I state:
People, in general, like to help solve problems, and I call these individuals, problem responders. Problem responders are like you and me. They come from all walks of life, and they want to make a difference. They don’t necessarily need to be in a lead role. In fact, most of the time, they simply want to participate and play the role of a supporter… Problem responders become excited about a problem if
- it aligns with their personal values
- they believe in the cause and its leader(s)
- they believe the solution is achievable.
In recent weeks, I’ve introduced you to the MBA Oath here and here. The original goal was to have 100 graduating MBA students from Harvard sign the oath. Today, over 1,000 have signed the oath . Approximately 50% of these being graduating Harvard students, the other 50% or so from around the world.
In various parts of the world, different but similar stories evolve on a regular base. The story line is simple. Problem is identified. A leader steps forward. Individuals respond and become active in the cause. In my book, I retell the Rosa Parks story and the civil rights movement. I introduce the Julie Gilbert story at BestBuy, and the formation of WOLF (Women’s Leadership Forum). Each of these stories and countless others are dependent upon problem responders. Similar stories from around the globe surface with great regularity. For instance, a story recently surfaced in Iran following the presidential elections, where hundreds of thousands have been endlessly protesting. And then in China near the 20th anniversay of the Tianamen Square protests, a different story has surfaced. Here government authorities recently mandated that computers sold in that country contain the government-approved Green Dam Youth Escort filtering software. But amid widespread concern, government officials have backed down by stating that consumers didn’t have to use it.
Today, the world is becoming increasingly noisy as new communication tools are being deployed and utilized. Quite often, these tools are being utilized by problem responders, as they support and push for change. These actions occur in organizations, in communities and in nations around the world. They seek to have their voices heard, and acted upon.
Bottom line: Problem responders are under appreciated, yet are the force that can move mountains.
