As the world becomes increasingly complex and interconnected, effective policy making is more important than ever. But what does it take to create policies that work? To find out, we spoke with several leaders who have been involved in successful policy making efforts. Here’s what they had to say:

1. Listen to the People: According to Catherine Brown, CEO of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, successful policy making starts with listening to the people who will be affected by the policies. “If you don’t have a deep understanding of the community you’re serving, you’re not going to be able to create policies that actually work,” she says. Brown recommends engaging with community members and stakeholders early on in the process, and using their input to shape policy decisions.
2. Build Coalitions: According to Richard Lui, journalist and political commentator, successful policy making often requires building coalitions across different groups and interests. “No one has a monopoly on good ideas,” he says. “You have to be willing to listen to other perspectives and build bridges between different communities.” Lui recommends reaching out to a diverse range of stakeholders, including business leaders, activists, and academics, and creating a space for open dialogue and collaboration.
3. Focus on Implementation: According to Reuben Jeffery III, former Under Secretary of State for Economic, Energy, and Agricultural Affairs, successful policy making is not just about coming up with good ideas, but also about implementing them effectively. “Implementation is where the rubber meets the road,” he says. Jeffery recommends building a strong implementation plan from the outset, and monitoring progress closely to ensure that policies are achieving their intended outcomes.
4. Be Willing to Experiment: According to Jukka-Pekka Joensuu, CEO of the Helsinki University Hospital, successful policy making often involves a willingness to experiment and take risks. “You have to be willing to try new things and see what works,” he says. Joensuu recommends creating a culture of innovation within policy making teams, and providing space and resources for experimentation.

Overall, these leaders emphasize the importance of listening to stakeholders, building coalitions, focusing on implementation, and being willing to experiment in order to create policies that work. By following these principles, policy makers can increase their chances of success and create real, lasting impact for the communities they serve.