Everyone has a solution for what ails the world but what happens seems to be just more confusion and conflict when cultures clash.

History has taught us that firepower over brainpower rarely wins or creates a sustainable solution to any crisis.

So here some thoughts to challenge the status quo - and to get people talking and working to figure ways that really work:

Get over the history. How we got here is irrelevant. What is key is where are we going.

Build a borderless society and there’s no reason why that cannot be done. The world is full of barriers but we can get over most by sharing information and knowledge. We should cooperate  via the Internet more.

We’re all in this together. Wherever you are, whatever the topic, be it environment, energy, oil or drugs, we no longer live in, nor should we think in national or regional silos. Everyone has a role in the answers.

Private and public sector partnerships are the only way to get anything done. One cannot rely on the other. We have to work together and respect agendas - but build effective ways to address issues..

Solutions happen only when people move from being involved to committed; roll up their sleeves and get to work. It’s not a game; it’s work.

Teach the teachers. We have to teach better and more in every society. The information supply exists. Yet open discussion and education is the key to all learning. Education is taught by good teachers. who help learning.

Attract talent to return home or join here to deploy their knowledge and skills without encumbrance. Change to a ‘take charge’ culture. Lead rather than follow. Pay for performance. Understand and accept the risks.

Discover and understand what we do not know. Balance that learning with constructive action plans to build the remedies. Your solution may not be the only one - or the best - but keep on pushing the envelope.

Women are key players and should never be sidelined. Democratic organizations - public and private - should adjust and work to achieve a 30%-30% gender balance management structure - with the other 40% to be made up of the best of either sex. Men have to get off their high horses as much as women must learn to saddle up.

Balance the rules of law around the world. Level the trade and societal playing fields even if sometimes it hurts. Do what’s right.

Make it happen. Get to work. Stop analyzing,  debating to death and complicating things. Learn from others. Try. Do. Fix. But get on it!  Together we stand a chance. Alone we don’t. So get on with it - or get out of the way.

Source: Bald Eagle Consulting Inc. Summer 2007 - Pith & Vinegar newsletter.