Higher Performance Insights | On Leadership and the Broken Windows Theory
In the 1980s, New York City faced a severe crime wave that challenged the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to innovate its law enforcement strategies. Instead of relying solely on physical force and power, the NYPD adopted a forward-thinking approach to crime reduction.
A cornerstone of this approach was the implementation of "broken window policing," which focused on addressing minor offenses such as vandalism, public drinking, and fare evasion. The rationale was that maintaining an atmosphere of order and lawfulness would prevent more serious criminal activity from escalating.
This method proved successful, and by the following decade, New York experienced a notable decrease in crime rates. This decline was attributed, in part, to the metaphorical repair of the city's 'broken windows.'
The 'broken windows' concept is not limited to urban crime but extends to our personal (and professional) lives. It's about those seemingly insignificant habits that, if left unaddressed, can lead to a cascade of larger issues. Consider a cluttered desk, for example. It may seem harmless, but it can easily lead to a loss of productivity, with distractions like aimless internet browsing. Similarly, a habit of leaving clothes on the floor can snowball into a series of other bad habits, like not washing dishes, allowing garbage to accumulate, or neglecting an overloaded email inbox.
Whether it's a messy desk or a habit of leaving clothes on the floor, these 'broken windows' in our lives, no matter how small, demand our attention. If not dealt with promptly, they can escalate into more significant issues. This principle applies to all aspects of our lives, from minor inconveniences to serious concerns like addictive behaviors. The key is to be proactive, stay vigilant, and address these vulnerabilities before they worsen.
Team Discussion Question
How can the 'broken windows theory' principles be applied to your organizational culture to identify and address minor issues before they escalate into major problems? What systems can you implement to ensure ongoing vigilance and prompt action? Think simple, then sustainable.
Footnotes
[1] I was introduced to broken windows theory in Malcolm Gladwell’s New York Times bestselling book, The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference.
[2] Recent research has argued that many of the apparent successes of broken window policing resulted from other factors. Nonetheless, I believe this perspective is useful for thinking about behavior change in general.
[3] For more on decisive moments, read The Higher Performance Insight The Domino Effect of Doing
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