What’s obvious is that all these stories are about failure. What may not be so obvious is that all the failures share the same cause. They all suffered a disconnect. There was a larger context, with overriding agenda and forces, that those with the power to decide, design and direct did not see.

The connections among variables and environment, whether in business, technologies or societies, are what determine destinies. It was not enough for the decision makers in these stories to rest on their competencies, even though they were often at the highest levels in their fields. The bigger picture was needed to inform their actions. The same holds true for every manager and leader.