March/April
2007
Innovation Tips
…ideas
for building collaborative innovation
=======================================
The Power of How
Who will
do the work? What will they produce? These are the two questions most often
asked in managing organizational efforts. They are the two most obvious,
concrete aspects of the work.
But what about the less obvious “how?”
How will
the work be done? This is the question that, if answered well, can build
enthusiasm, vitality, and teamwork. If not well considered, it can deplete
morale, increase turnover, and frustrate cooperation.
The key to working smarter (not harder) is to pay more attention to how.
We all
have a preferred how—a natural
predisposition to the way we approach work. That predisposition often
constitutes our best contribution to the overall success of a team. When people
are using their best gifts in collaboration with others, the whole organization
becomes more creative, productive, and vital.
We at Partners for Innovation have begun applying the insights of the
GiftsCompass Inventory (GCI)—an online self-assessment—to optimize the inherent
strength of teams. The GCI enables us to align the preferred “how” of
individuals with their contribution to the team.
Generally,
there are four primary approaches to work: Formulating, Reflecting,
Associating, and Producing. Each of these approaches has a natural application
in organizations. If a team is charged with producing a new product or service,
for example, any phase of the process—conception, planning, and
implementation—might need one or more of those four.
The conception stage might rely heavily on those inclined to use the Formulating
approach. They are often the ones with the systematic, big-picture
orientations.
Planning
might engage the Associating approach for it would likely involve paying
attention to details and to how people will respond to the effort.
The execution phase would likely need those favoring a Producing approach
because of their predisposition to action.
A Reflecting
approach might be needed at every important juncture to provide the creative,
thought- provoking insight that insures that the work is consistent with the
highest aspirations of the organization.
Paying attention to the "power of how" can dramatically strengthen the creative
vitality of the whole organization. Are you confident that how you are working
is as good as it could be?
JL/jgj
Copyright
(C) 2007 Partners for Innovation, Inc.
Innovation
Tips may be used, with permission, in company or association newsletters,
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Let
Us Know
Partners for Innovation is in the business of helping you create organizations
that thrive on creativity and social capital. We write these articles to
support your work in building vital and resilient organizations.
Please tell us what else you would like to learn. We depend on you for
our subject matter, and as the subject of our work, you matter!
Let us know what you're thinking by sending us an email <mailto:
The Power of How Workshop
Partners for Innovation has recently introduced its latest training: The
Power of How—Bringing Your Best Stuff to Teamwork. The workshop reviews a
group’s GiftsCompass Inventory results to explain how to optimize the inherent
strengths of the group.
To find out how your organization can benefit from this workshop, just email us
today: info@partnersfi.com
Looking for an article for your newsletter?
Innovation Tips may be used, with permission, in company or association newsletters, providing that Partners for Innovation is given credit for the article. Please email your request to info@partnersfi.com to receive formal permission to reproduce the copyrighted article.
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