The Power of Positive Deviance - 9781422110669

"In trying to tackle `intractable' challenges, we often import fixes from outside the target group or community and, with the best of intentions, fail. Surprisingly, the wisdom often lies within. The Power of Positive Deviance shows the way to discover, implement, and scale hidden innovations that work because they are already consonant with the culture."---Ronald Heifetz Harvard Kennedy School and Cambridge Leadership Associates

"Complexity, scarcity, and culture are now code words for why the state of the world is not improving faster. The Power of Positive Deviance breaks those codes and shows in a variety of contexts how social entrepreneurs can achieve concrete results today."---Lee Howell Managing Director, Head of Programming, World Economic Forum

"Vividly told by pioneers of positive deviance (PD), these stories from around the world and across all sectors demonstrate the power of the people to solve intractable problems. Cheap, sustainable, indigenous, developed slowly in order to deliver quickly, PD solutions derive from insight distributed throughout a community, unleashed with the right questions. PD is an idea whose time has come."---Barbara Waugh Director (retired), Hewlett-Packard

"This is a phenomenal book about how radical reform actually occurs. Written in simple, moving language, it deepens our thinking about the power of community and local wisdom. The Power of Positive Deviance single-handedly replaces your entire bookshelf on change management. With great stories and useful methodology, it is required reading for anyone wanting to make a difference in the world."---Peter Block Author, The Abundant Community: Awakening the Power of Families and Neighborhoods

"This book speaks to all who seek creative solutions in the face of seemingly intractable problems. The authors combine inspiring accounts of bringing about such solutions---from overcoming childhood malnutrition in poor villages to cutting back on devastating hospital infections---with indispensable practical advice for breaching entrenched barriers to change."---Sissela Bok Author, Lying and Exploring Happiness: From Aristotle to Brain Science

"It is a truism that some of the most impactful ideas are the most simple---that a new way of looking at things can change the world. Positive deviance in such an idea. People on the front lines have often already found creative solutions. The job of leadership then becomes identifying these people and spreading their wisdom."---DR. Charles Maccormack President, Save the Children

"If you've ever run from a change because it felt too overwhelming, this book will bring you hope. No one has catalyzed more change, on more issues, in more places in the world, than Jerry and Monique Sternin. Learn the power of positive deviance---and take hope."---Chip Heath Coauthor, Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard

When it comes to solving complex problems, most leaders turn to internal or external "experts," borrowing "best practices" and implementing top-down strategies that typically inspire few and accomplish little. It's time to exchange that approach for an unconventional notion: at least one person somewhere in your company or community has already licked the problem you are trying to solve.

These "positive deviants" are individuals who live and work under the same constraints as everyone else, yet find a way to succed against all odds. In this eye-opening book, Richard Pascale, Jerry Sternin, and Monique Sternin outline the positive deviance (PD) approach---successfully implemented in over forty countries and impacting the lives of millions. PD requires letting go of traditional ideas about authority and power and instead allowing people to discover the answers for themselves. Pascale and the Sternins show how, and why, it works.

Through richly detailed stories from the authors' field experiences fighting childhood malnutrition in Vietnam, improving sales force effectiveness at Merck, combating the MRSA epidemic in hospitals, and more, The Power of Positive Deviance translates an unorthodox concept into a powerful approach for change.

Hopeful, insightful, and empowering, The Power of Positive Deviance is a testimony to the importance of unlikely innovators---and a challenge to leaders to tap the vast potential within their grasp.