Transforming the world for the better demands bold, deliberate action and regular evaluation of your impact. If you’re in an ethical, mission-driven organisation making only a minor positive impact, leave it. And explain your decision to others, so they either leave with you or are inspired to make the necessary changes within that organisation. Let me explain.
As corny as it sounds, I’ve been given a mission in life: to make the world a better place. From nearly joining the army after university to devoting much of my time to politics, charities, non-profits, expanding access to justice, and improving education, I’ve always been driven by a deeper sense of purpose. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. Of course, there have been many errors along the way.
But here’s the truth: only rarely do well-intentioned organisations truly maximise their potential to create positive change. And if they aren’t optimised for Maximum Positive Impact, then the organisation and the people within it are likely doing more harm than good. The resources, time, and talent invested in a project that merely scratches the surface could be better spent driving real, systemic change. Why waste time on incremental improvements when there’s potential for exponential impact? Minor contributions may feel satisfying, but they can lull us into complacency, slowing the momentum needed for true transformation.
Brilliant, ethical people wedded to organisations that don’t fully harness their talents aren’t just wasting their potential—they’re slowing down the possibility of real, meaningful impact elsewhere. The world doesn’t need well-intentioned near-stagnation—it needs action and results. Time is too precious to waste. As Karl Marx said: “The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways; the point is to change it.” That’s what he did.
Saying “yes” to one project with only minor societal impact means saying “no” to one that could truly move the needle. In my experience, too many good people are unable or unwilling to analyse their impact, ultimately making the world a less good place. So, be analytical and be brave.
(Photo is of a tunnel at Fountains Abbey, North Yorkshire, high up and overlooking the formal gardens)
