The Power of Positive Deviance

richard-pascale,jerry-sternin&monique-sternin,

Abstract

This is an inspiring book which takes a solution focused approach to intractable problems without mentioning SF at all! The book is based on the extensive experience of the authors over many years of using the Positive Deviance Approach. The term “positive deviance” is recognised as being an awkward, oxymoronic term but the concept is simple. Look for outliers who have succeeded against the odds. The premise is that (1) solutions to seemingly intractable problems already exist, (2) they have been discovered by members of the commu- nity itself, and (3) these individual positive deviants have succeeded despite sharing the same constraints and barriers as others. In SF terms these would be exceptions.

Article