The Slow Lane: Why Quick Fixes Fail and How to Achieve Real Change

Avoid the speed trap! Discover how changemakers can find lasting solutions to urgent social problems through a proven 5-step process for listening thoughtfully, building broad support, and exploring unconventional options. Society celebrates leaders who promise fast, easy solutions to the world's problems--but quick fixes are just mirages that fade, leaving us with the same broken systems. The truth is, effective social change happens through slow, intentional actions. The author, a globally acclaimed social entrepreneur, offers a 5-step process for taking the slow lane to change--the lane that gets you to the right place faster: Listening--Listen to build trust, which can change hearts and minds and allow for something new to emerge. Holding the urgency--Accept that even in moments of crisis you can move only at the speed of trust instead of rushing into action. Sharing the agency--Create an inclusive environment where everyone can lead. Healing democracy--Build bridges that allow marginalized people to participate. Maintaining curiosity--Be inspired by nontraditional sources. Using dozens of examples--prison reform in England, urban development in Venezuela, healthcare in the Navajo Nation, early childhood education in New York, and many more--The Slow Lane shows how, by following the principles taught in this book, readers can create lasting change.