Category Archives: Strategy

Addressing complexity with open design thinking

September 30, 2019 By in Learning, Strategy, Teaching, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , Leave a comment

Sometimes its tough to see the big picture, especially when its really ugly. Our world and everyone in it are facing some ugly problems right now. They are problems that are wickedly unstructured, open ended, multi dimensional, systemic and for which there are often no solutions. Our wicked problems require a new way of thinking and a new leadership paradigm. This week the global climate strikes offered evidence of a wicked problem. Where do you begin? There are so many unique yet interconnected elements each of which seems radically unpredictable. Without directly referencing the science, suffice it to say that the debate, let alone the hope of a solution, seems beyond our control. Don’t despair. Fortunately, this week also offered some hope for our future and not just in the form of #teamgreta and the many brave climate change activists.

systemsinnovation.io

This week three global industry leaders shone a light on a new way of thinking which is credited as the kind of new management approach which our world needs now. Deloitte, IBM, and RBC joined forces to offer Nova Scotia post secondary students a taste of design thinking. The investment which these companies made in developing and delivering the two-day learning event was impressive. The scale of the event was significant, involving about 200 students from five schools all hosted at Saint Mary’s University. Yes the three corporate amigos got to see potential recruits in action and endeared themselves to a cohort of future leaders – the event helped their recruiting efforts for sure but I think the investment goes far beyond that.

Opening up the internal capabilities of these firms for others to learn and apply took a leap of faith for these three industry giants. They offered their know-how and their people in an effort to build community capacity so that we can begin to solve a growing world of wicked problems. The open source nature of the design thinking movement is evidence of healthy corporate values which help to address community and social issues – not just profit. In a world of wicked problems its nice to see some creative solutions emerge. Bravo IBM, Deloitte, RBC and all the student participants who made an investment which will make a difference and some day may get us to the other side of complexity. Post-complexity simplicity here we come!

Do Canadians believe in education?

July 24, 2019 By in Learning, Strategy, Teaching, Uncategorized Tags: , , , Leave a comment

Most Canadians believe post-secondary education positively impacts the country, is more relevant in today’s rapidly changing world, and makes us stronger in the face of new challenges. A new national survey conducted by Abacus Data for the Canadian Association of University Teachers offers some interesting insights including that 78% of Canadians believe public sector education (PSE) positively impacts the direction of the country

Most Canadians believe PSE is more relevant now than ever. A full two thirds agree that it has never been more important to get a post-secondary education now given the changes in the economy and society.

When told that Canada has the highest rate of residents with a post-secondary degree among comparable countries, two thirds of respondents feel it makes Canada a better place to live, a view that’s held across demographic, regional, and socio-economic groups. Given the importance of PSE in the eyes of Canadians it is likely that it will play a prominent role in the upcoming federal election. Although a provincial jurisdiction, federal policies supporting the sector are likely to be a focus. For more information visit Canadian Association of University Teachers, http://www.caut.ca July 23 post. Photo credit widehdimages.

An Industry Life Gone Too Soon

February 10, 2019 By in Career Management, Entrepreneurship, Strategy, Teaching, Uncategorized Leave a comment

I was reminded this week of what it takes to build an industry.  It was an unfortunate collision of academic theory and a real-life story of someone special leaving us too soon.   Industries go through life cycles, from introduction to decline, and a major force of industry growth is the production and diffusion of related knowledge (Grant et al, 2015). Growth Curve

Many textbooks feature images which illustrate industry or product evolution over time, sometimes called growth curves.  The similarity of these growth curves to the cycle of human life was made abundantly clear this week with the passing of an information technology icon.  Rod Wark was a Nova Scotia leader with a global reputation for his significant contribution to the sector’s growth.  He was an early adopter, an innovator, and obsessed with quality.  He led many individuals and organizations through the IT sector’s introduction, growth, and maturity.

Rod Wark significantly influenced the lives of more than 13,500 workers (ICTC, 2015) in Nova Scotia’s IT sector.  But the IT sector is special because of the multiplier effect it has on the economy by enabling the success of other sectors.  Rod Wark made a significant contribution to the growth of the IT sector, its people and companies, but he was also a profound influence on the growth of a much larger business community.  He was a builder, who’s impact should be celebrated and used as a lesson for many, long into the future.

Death and Taxes

March 27, 2015 By in Diversity, Entrepreneurship, Strategy 1 Comment

Today is my birthday.  Its also a day when I’ll be attending a wake for a family member. Today the Chronicle Herald headlines are about the upcoming provincial budget and the state of our province.  Last night I attended a workshop for my professional association where we discussed how Certified Management Consultants could take action to support the One Nova Scotia Coalition in response to the Ivany Report about the future of our province and its Now or Never call to action.  One of my newest best friends hosted the workshop.  She was the only women among 12 men exploring how we could do something to make a difference in the future of our province.  This morning I woke up thinking how privileged I am.

In many respects our province is dying.  No doubt it will continue to be a a great place to live for a long time.  There are many success stories and many missed opportunities which we share.  So here’s a quick birthday thought for fellow Nova Scotians.  Two questions. What have you done in the past year to support an immigrant to our province?  How have you helped innovation and entrepreneurship in Nova Scotia?

If we are to have many more birthdays and avoid premature death, we should each think about these questions more often.  Now would be a good time.  Then, now, we should wake up and do something about it.  And the answer is not in paying more taxes. Failing to think, plan, and do in response to these questions is not an option.  Happy birthday!Ivany