Using building blocks to mobilize entire sectors

In 2004 I volunteered to channel free technical assistance from the Netherlands to the south of Jordan. The missions were short and restricted. I, on the other hand, wanted to elevate the entire sector(s) and make a notable change. So, what did I do? I took each sector alone, car mechanics, farmers, SMEs..etc. I started effecting little missions but what I was really doing was small building blocks, that fit in place and build up something. For each sector, I met the members of the association. Listened to their problems, needs and suggested solutions. I prioritized and chose the base first, sometimes I build horizontal blocks: that is, I would go for a cross section of the association or entity, and work on its marketing system, account, IT, Human Resources..etc , and sometimes I worked on a vertical section, so I’d pick up one aspect, say fixing cars and start with basic diagnosis, how to read the new electronic dash boards, how to use the professional hand-held meters, then worked my way up, how to maintain fix the engine, abs system, welding, then we went onto the body. At the end, I was able to present to the government in the south (special zone authority), an entire plan of 5 sectors, using building blocks, so that the entire sectors were enhanced, saved jobs, increased output and affected directly the small southern communities.

One measurable output was clear, as cars used to be towed up north to be fixed. Now, most of the cars are fixed on location.