Bridgebuilders: How Government Can Transcend Boundaries to Solve Big Problems
William D. Eggers and Donald F. Kettl
Harvard Business Review Press (May 2023)

A holistic approach to addressing the challenges of modern governance

According to William Eggers and Donald Kett, “The thesis of this book is simple: governments at all levels can more effectively tackle society’s toughest challenges by collaborating with [begin itaics] bridgebuilders [end italics] who bring together different parts of government and tap into other sectors of society.”

The thesis is admirable. However, one of the new realities suggests that communication, cooperation, and (especially) collaboration between and among political leaders are more difficult now than at any prior time that I can recall, with the possible exceptions of 1800 and 1860. The only “infrastructure” in place is the U.S. Constitution and its few but essential amendments, the Bill of Rights.

Eggers and Kettl have identified ten keys to unlock the solutions to all manner of “big problems.” They are listed on Page 7 and rigorously examined throughout the material that follows throughout the lively and eloquent narrative.

These are among the passages of greatest interest and value to me, also listed to suggest the scope of Eggers and
Kettl’s coverage:

o Aforementvion ten blocks to unlock “big problems” (Page 7)
o LearningtoSolve the Right Problems (10-16)
o Blended Government: The New Reality (16-21)
o Ten Ways Bridgebuilders Can Knock Down Barriers  (27-30)
o The Hickenlooper Way (36-39)

o Ten Ways Bridgebuilders Pursue Mutualdvantage (47-49)
o Government strategies to grow the public interest private players (66-67)
o Ten Ways Bridgebuilders Can Build Public Interest with Private Players (71-73)
o Veterans: Gaining RTruzt high Better Service (88-90)
o Ten Ways Bridgebuilders Can Cultivate Networks of Trust (99-101)

o A Toolbox for Managing Government’s Catalytic Strategies and Tactics (110-117)
o Main fEatures of catalysts-by-design organizations (124)
o Ten Ways Bridgebuilders Can Catalyze Innovation (127-129)
o Six Lessons from Rhode Island’s child welfare system transformation (142-143)
o Ten Ways Bridgebuilders CanFocus on Outcomes (145-147)

o Ten Ways Bridgebuilders Can Create Shared Grammar through Data (165-168)
o The New Steps to Accountability (183-184)
o Ten Ways BridgebuildersCan CReate a New System of Accountability (184-186)
o Ten Ways Bridgebuilders Can Lead Across Boundaries (202-204)
o Ten Ways Bridgebuilders Can SCale Bridgebuikder Know-How across Government (221-223)

Whatever their size and nature may be, all organizations in the public and private sectors need “bridges” between and among individuals and groups. Like harbors, highways, and bridges, these components of organizational infrastructure need continuous maintenance and, when needed, repairs or replacements. It is also important to keep in mind that many of the silos are disguised as people.who are hostage to what James O’Toole so aptly characterizes as “the ideology of comfort and the tyranny of custom.”

I share Eggers and Kettl ‘s high regard for John Hickenlooper’s approach to bridgebuilding: “An unwavering determination to work across sectors and find points of mutual advantage for all his major policy initiatives” as mayor of Denver and then governor of Colorado. His is “an emerging new model of shared governance.” There are five key strategies for creating mutual respect and trust, and thus mutual advantage and benefit:

1. Define the problem.
2. Create an unambiguous shared goal or public purpose.
3. Keep it local.
4. Think sideways.
5. Look for [and nourish] interdependence.

All this is discussed on Pages 36-39. Also, be sure to check out Appendix B in which William Eggers and Donald Kett explain “how government can transcend boundaries to solve big problems”:

1. Knock Down Barriers
2. Seek Mutual Advantage
3. Nurture private partners
4. Build Trustworthy Networks [That Are Connected and Effectively Interactive]
5. Grow a “Catalytic” Government [That Shapes and Integrates Solutions]
6. Focus on Outcomes
7. Make Data the Language
8. Redefine Accountability
9. Cultivate Crvoss-Boundrfy Leaders
10. Make the Exceptional Routine

I think this is a “must read” for all C-level executives (or their equivalents) who have governance responsibilities in both public and private sectors. It is a brilliant achievement. Bravo!

Here are two concluding suggestions while reading Bridgebuilders: Highlight key passages, and, keep a lined notebook near at hand  in which you record your comments, questions, action steps (preferably with deadlines) and page references. These two simple tactics will facilitate, indeed expedite frequent review of key material later.