Making an Impact

Lessons on catalyzing the change you want to see

Impact isn’t what you do. It’s how the world changes because of it.

Consider your net impact: how do your actions improve (or worsen) the issue you’re tackling? Identify a few impact performance indicators, then track those carefully to see how your idea adds value to the world.

Instinct falls apart at scale.

Going with your gut might work in your cultural bubble, but when it comes to translating your ideas to a national or international context, you need to check your assumptions with research.

Don’t skip the dress rehearsal.

You can prototype almost anything, whether it’s a product, a service or a campaign. Seeing how people interact with your idea helps you refine and improve it.

It’s about impact, not intention.

Your brilliant, planet-saving idea can have harmful social impacts you never saw coming. Be honest about the harm your project could cause so you can mitigate negative side effects.

Written by Rachel Benner and Hannah Lewman. Learn more about the authors here and here.