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In my post on Multiple Levels of Change, I outlined four different levels where I believe change happens. Those are Micro-Personal, Personal, Organizational and Societal. Recently, I was listening to a podcast interview that Yaro Starak at Entrepreneur’s Journey posted with Tim Ferriss. While the majority of the interview was talking about Tim’s book, the Four Hour Workweek, one question touched on how Tim would like to see the culture of overwork change. In his answer, Tim articulated a very distinct theory of change (which I was pleased to see is not that different from my own!), which I would label Micro to Macro.

1. Change the Individual. That’s what the book is really about. Tim wants to show people that productivity is not the same as busy-ness. He is helping individuals change through the stories and tools in the book.
2. Change the Organization. As more and more individual workers begin to explore new ways of getting their work done, they will educate their co-workers and friends about their techniques. Eventually, entire organizations may adopt new policies and practices that encourage workers to be creative and productive. Some, such as Best Buy, already have.
3. Change the Society. As more individuals and organizations get on the Four Hour bandwagon, public opinion on overwork may begin to fundamentally shift. This will influence policy-makers to re-examine some of the rules that govern work life in the U.S. In the interview, Tim hinted at having ideas for policies and legislation that he would like to see enacted on a national level. One idea that I heard was for mandatory time off.

Whatever your opinions about Tim or his book, he definitely comes across as a man with a plan. In fact, he seems extremely ambitious for a guy who claims to trot off to Costa Rica or Germany every other week!

Related posts:

1. Do You Want to Work a Four Hour Workweek?
2. Elimination and Outsourcing Closer to Home