Innovation

The times and situations when an organization needs to be thinking in new ways, performing differently, or focusing on different deliverables are more frequent than we imagine.

On the level of specific, technical process improvements, often a talented and motivated individual is the best engine of innovation. For larger tasks – and certainly for tasks that require collaboration between organizations – groups are necessarily the engines of innovation. The task is too big for any one person to solve, and/or the complexity of the dilemma is beyond any one person to fathom alone.

Individuals can be coached to learn various kinds of “creative-thinking calisthenics” so that challenges can be addressed with fresh perspective. Groups can also learn to innovate in the face of real needs by developing their skills for probing, surfacing assumptions, seeing the vicious and virtuous circles, reflecting, prototyping and ultimately implementing.

For a deeper look at the group innovation process (which can apply to individuals as well), see this short article.

“Bob has the ability to host meaningful conversations with groups in a way that honours each person's experience and perspective. His understanding of group dynamics and knowledge of facititation techniques allow him to marry the right process to the group and situation.”

– Peter Mortimer, Senior Director, United Way of Halifax Region

“… leaders and people at all levels in all systems are increasingly presented with disruptive challenges and changes that require them to let go of old patterns of thinking and behaviour and to sense new future possibilities. These challenges may be techno-economic, relational-political, or cultural-spiritual – or all three.”

– Theory U: Leading from the future as it emerges, C.O. Scharmer