I would guess that most of us see the need for change in almost any direction we look, but how do we begin? What's needed? What does it ask of us?
Here are a few thoughts...
There needs to be a purpose that drives (or pulls) change so that it adds value. This often comes from the vision or mission. However, even a compelling vision or strategy may not be enough if we do not learn and grow from the change that accompanies it. Change for change's sake will not necessarily allow us to achieve our personal or collective aims. Reflect for a moment on the following assertion: you can change without growing but you can't grow without changing. Truly meaningful change must involve some kind of development. Since organizational development cannot occur without personal development, leaders at all levels must be willing to embark on a path of self-discovery - especially if they want to lead their organizations through transformation effectively and with integrity.
Why is our ability to engage in transformational thinking important?
What can we do about it?
Elaine Dundon, in her book, The Seeds of Innovation, demonstrates that core
competencies (knowledge, skills, attitudes) in transformational thinking form the baseline for effective innovation to occur. Dundon underscores that without (a) seeking greater awareness of ourselves and others, (b) igniting and sustaining personal passion, and (c) taking meaningful action (referred to collectively as the seeds of transformational thinking), the corollary seeds of creative and strategic thinking cannot take root and flourish. As a consequence, there can be no innovation harvest no matter how creative the ideas being considered or how 'on strategy' these ideas may be. Those leading innovation in any organization must continuously develop and employ their transformational thinking capabilities to fully realize the return on innovation that everyone expects and deserves.
Recently, I recorded a Moments of Insight Series at the Global Dialogue Center audio learning program. It includes six mini-podcasts related to Discovering Deeper Meaning in different aspects of work and life. Although, each episode has a meaning-focused message with ideas for applying its principles, I highlighted the one on Meaningful Innovation below. It offers additional perspective and specific recommendations to help you put meaning-full innovation into practice in your organization.
1 - In Search of Meaning
2 - Living a More Meaningful Life
3 - Meaning in Your Work
4 - Meaningful Innovation * Listen in now
5 - Meaning in Politics
6 - Meaningful Sustainability
A few closing thoughts...
When we miss the meaning in our work life, we miss the life in our work. And when we miss the life in our work, we can't help but become a "prisoner of our thoughts", confined, as Viktor Frankl would say, within our own inner concentration camp. Sadly, by doing so, we effectively lock ourselves away, albeit unconsciously, from the prospects of realizing our capacity for authentic leadership and meaningful innovation.
How are you realizing your capacity for authentic leadership and meaningful innovation?
I hope you'll write to share your story.
All the best,
Alex
Alex Pattakos, Ph.D.
author, Prisoners of Our Thoughts
founder, Center for Meaning
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NEW EDITION: Prisoners of Our Thoughts
New edition of Prisoners of Our Thoughts in paperback, Audiobook CD, and digital download formats! Prisoners of Our Thoughts applies Viktor Frankl's philosophy and therapeutic approach to life and work in the 21st century, detailing seven principles for increasing your capacity to deal with life-work challenges, finding meaning in your daily life and work, and achieving your highest potential. Among other changes, this new edition includes a new chapter on how readers of the hardcover edition have put the seven meaning-centered principles into action, both in their everyday lives and even in extreme situations such as in Indonesia after the tsunami (where several aid agencies adopted the book as part of their training and relief programs) and in post-Katrina New Orleans.