Ignite New Thinking & Uncover New Solutions
An effective strategy for introducing forward-thinking ideas and approaches is to introduce multiple new perspectives from inside and outside the organization. Such an approach helps ignite new thinking and uncovers new solutions. Leadership expert and author David Marquet explains in a review of our work:
As I’ve gotten older (and wiser) I’ve learned that most topics have multiple valid perspectives. A diversity of opinion allows me to see sides of an issue I’d missed, allows my organization to be more resilient when one approach isn’t working, and allows a more nuanced implementation of initiatives.
Our interviews with more than 100 leaders, executives, and top practitioners over the past seven years have revealed some surprising insights. These insights and strategies came about through a deliberate intention to uncover what’s behind the work of successful leaders and organizations.
Initially, this work occurred through the interview series 5 Minutes to Process Improvement Success, which asked industry leaders and practitioners for their best improvement strategy. That series was then followed by the current series, Exploring Forward-Thinking Workplaces, which asks a series of six questions intended to explore how we can create workplaces where every voice matters, everyone thrives and finds meaning, and change and innovation happen naturally. Typically, we often ask additional clarifying questions, but each interview follows the standard six-question framework.
We Create Spaces for Wisdom to Emerge
While interviews with industry executives and thought leaders are common and often reveal fascinating insights, what has been unique in this case is the approach and results. An intention is held for each interview touncover the deeper strategy or wisdom behind a particular approach. We ask reflective questions that don’t favor one approach or philosophy over another.
The result is an interview that captures innate knowing and wisdom. The interviews uncover perspectives that typically are not heard, solicited, or encouraged in a business setting. At Forward-Thinking Workplaces, we have found it useful to leverage these conversations, insights, and overall themes to trigger engaging conversations that uncover their own more workable solutions. As encode.org partner Dennis Wittrock explains:
It’s a beautiful opportunity for people to sense what’s next. The very act of being asked elicits knowledge you didn’t know you had. The very act of being listened to is very valuable to create a new context and let new insights emerge and let these nuggets come to the surface.
Contact Us for More Information
Please contact Bill Fox if you have questions or would like more information on our coaching, speaking or consulting programs.