: Anna Simpson
: The Innovation-Friendly Organization How to cultivate new ideas and embrace the change they bring
: Palgrave Macmillan
: 9781137483027
: 1
: CHF 33.20
:
: Management
: English
: 205
: Wasserzeichen/DRM
: PC/MAC/eReader/Tablet
: PDF

Innovation - the driver of change and resilience - It is totally dependent on culture, the social environment which shapes how ideas emerge and evolve. Ideas need to breathe, and culture determines the quality of the air. If it's stuffy and lacks flow, then no idea, however brilliant, will live long enough to fulfil its potential.

Creating these innovation-friendly conditions is one of the key challenges facing organizations today, and one that is especially difficult for them - focused as they are on efficiency and control. Innovation, Anna Simpson argues, begins with diversity of thought and attitude: the opposite of conformity and standardisation.

Likewise, with ongoing pressures to deliver results before yesterday, how can organizations allow sufficient space for the seemingly aimless process of following interesting possibilities and pondering on the impact of various options?

Anna Simpson shows how large organizations can adapt their culture to enable the exchange of different perspectives; to support each person to bring their whole self to their work; to embrace the aimlessness that fosters creative experimentation; to take the time to approach change with the care it deserves, and - lastly - to develop the collective strength needed to face the ultimate 'sledgehammer test'.



Anna Simpson is a writer and editor specialising in the future of business and society. She works at Forum for the Future as the Curator for its dynamic online Futures Centre, and lives in Singapore. Her first book,The Brand Strategist's Guide to Desire was published in 2014. @_annasimpson
Dedication5
Acknowledgements6
Contents7
1: Introduction: Cultures Where Ideas Thrive9
Aiming for Resilience11
Beyond Good Intentions12
The Social Life of Innovation14
Breaking Free of Mental Blocks16
Lessons from Religion17
Standing Out, Looking In19
Changing the Odds20
A Context Conducive to Change21
Diversity: A Hidden Strength22
Imagining Things Afresh24
Five Cultural Elements26
2: Diversity27
Over Imaginary Walls28
The Importance of Relationships30
When Ideas Get Together32
Diversity, But to What End?34
Towards a Transformative Culture38
The Empathy Challenge41
The Case for Unlearning44
What You See Is What You Get48
Cultural Archaeology51
Beyond Gender Norms53
New Approaches to Social Roles55
Health in Numbers58
3: Integrity60
Core Strength61
Why We Conform62
Beyond Frameworks and Obligations64
Rocket Straps67
Teal for Integrity68
The Sensing Organization71
Tools Supporting Conscious Decisions73
What You See, and What You Get75
Time to Come Out77
Creative Connections80
The Importance of Foundations81
Accounting Like a Forest83
On Trust and Teamwork86
Aiming for Transformation89
4: Curiosity91
Curious Paths to Purpose92
Making Space for Adventure94
Advantages of Time Travel95
Design for Fresh Thinking97
Elemental Connections99
How Spaces Change Behaviours103
Places to Play106
For the Love of Making110
Seeing Life as a Game113
Out of Your Mind116
Obstacle Course119
5: Reflection121
The Rise of Slow123
Thinking About Our Future125
We’re All Future Makers127
‘Prehearsing’ the Future128
Designing It Forward131
The Value of Caution133
Designing in Systems135
Learning Journeys138
Supporting a Daily Practice141
The Power of Perspective142
Making Sense of Culture146
Mindful Perspectives148
Keep Asking150
6: Connection152
Connecting in Difficult Contexts154
From Cannibalism to Safety157
Connecting in Spite of Yourself161
Authority and Leadership164
Pitfalls on the Path167
Ritual Connections to Change169
Empowerment Through Uncertainty174
Compassion: Practical Steps175
A Word of Thanks181
7: Afterword: The Still Point of Innovation182
Next Steps186
Transform the Culture of Your Organization for Innovation186
Resources189
Books189
Papers190
Mixed Media192
Tools196
Index of Concepts197
Index of People200
Index of Organizations203