Guest blog by Caroline Lee-Schmid, LEG ’23
Embarking on the Harvard Executive Leading Economic Growth program under Harvard’s Building State Capability Program tutelage was akin to setting sail on a transformative odyssey. Over the immersive 10-week period, the richness of learning experiences and insights gained was nothing short of extraordinary.
It’s not just the knowledge gained but the shift in mindset and new thinking process. The journey has set the stage for continuous learning and application, propelling personal and professional growth. The voyage doesn’t end here; it’s merely a waypoint in an ongoing expedition towards fostering sustainable growth and development.
Below are my key learnings:
- PDIA Tool for Root-Cause Problem Solving and integrating “Triple A” lens to evaluate real possibilities for change: The PDIA (Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation) approach emerged as a beacon of problem-solving brilliance while evaluating real possibilities for change by exploring the Authority, Acceptance and Ability (“AAA”). The emphasis on dissecting challenges to the root cause through iterative adaptations was a revelation. It’s not merely about solving problems but understanding them at their core to foster sustainable solutions. AAA lens initiated the conversation about organizational dynamics and how these could affect the work, which is critical for program success.
- Peer Group Learning in Diversity: The diversity within our peer group proved invaluable. Diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences brought a tapestry of approaches to similar challenges. Exploring varied perspectives under different binding constraints was eye-opening. It illuminated that while challenges might be universal, the solutions need not be uniform.
- Internalizing Learned Skills through Practical Application: The transformational magic happened when theory met practice. Guided application of learned skills in real-time problem-solving scenarios was invaluable. Internalizing these concepts by applying them to actual challenges cemented the understanding and applicability of the acquired knowledge.
The 10-week journey was a continuum of self-discovery and growth. My growth challenges were no longer insurmountable obstacles but puzzles waiting to be decoded. The insights gained allowed me to view these challenges through a different lens, identifying leverage points and plausible interventions that were previously elusive.
The crux of this program lies in its practicality. I’m employing the PDIA tool to dissect organizational challenges and foster a problem-driven approach to strategic decision-making. Collaborative efforts with diverse teams are now more impactful, harnessing the collective wisdom present in differing perspectives.
While the journey has been enriching, there are always more avenues to explore. I am intrigued by the evolving landscapes of economic growth sustainability and tackle climate change simultaneously, especially in the digital era. Exploring how PDIA or similar methodologies adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of technology and global markets is a curiosity awaiting illumination.
This is a blog series written by the alumni of the Leading Economic Growth Executive Education Program at the Harvard Kennedy School. 58 Participants successfully completed this 10-week online course in December 2023. These are their learning journey stories.