Appreciative Inquiry is an organizational change management practice that asks the practitioner to discover what is best about an organization and its members and how to amplify the good, most effective, and most positive attributes of both. As described in A Positive Revolution in Change, by David Copperrider and Diana Whitney, the … [Read more...]
World War G: How to Cure Zombie Government Executives
A recent article on Forbes.com, entitled World War E: How to Cure a Zombie Entrepreneur, discussed the dangers posed by an increasing number of zombie entrepreneurs at the helm in the private sector. The article described the criteria for diagnosis as a zombie to include: the lack of a clear picture, entrepreneur Attention Deficit Disorder, lack of … [Read more...]
The Process of Innovation
Innovation is often thought of as a random event in which a genius comes up with a great idea while tinkering in his garage. Unfortunately, real innovation takes dedicated work and specific knowledge of relevant subject areas. Making internal innovations in the way business is done also requires the ability to overcome resistance to … [Read more...]
Gavin Newsom’s Citizenville and Next Generation Government
Many advocates in both government and private enterprise seek to bring about a transformation to the relationship between government and citizenry. Recently, one of the highest profile figures in state government has led a charge to create the next generation of government-public interaction through technology. Gavin … [Read more...]
“Real” Best Practices for Successful Supply Chain Management
Businesses, large and small, care about keeping the supply chain from point A to B as seamless as possible. According to the Inc.com article, “Real Best Practices for Supply Chain Optimization,” a supply chain is not limited to the movement of products from manufacturing to consumer, but "supply chain optimization” touches numerous parts of an … [Read more...]
Experts Predict Public Sector Will Embrace Gamification
The notion that managers should think more like game designers isn't new, but experts in the gamification field now predict that game theory principles will catch on best among managers in Federal, state and local government, as well as non-profits. According to professors Dan Hunter and Kevin Werbach, authors of the bestselling book "For The … [Read more...]
Managing Innovation in Change-Conservative Agencies
Implementing change and innovation within Government agencies is not easy. Leaders can face challenges such as resistance to change, lack of internal support, and a lack of resources. However, innovation is often necessary and innovative improvements are in the best interest of the public sector’s constituency. Differing Views on the Definition … [Read more...]
Four Ways to Drive Collaboration
Collaboration starts at the top. Leaders must consistently instill in their staff values which encourage an environment of cooperation and collaboration. As employees learn, through positive feedback, that collaboration is valued, they are incentivized to continue with their current attitudes and behaviors. Below are four key values and behaviors … [Read more...]
Collaboration is the Key to Innovation in Today’s Knowledge Organizations
Perhaps Michelangelo needed complete isolation to release his David from the marble. But I would argue that there are very few endeavors in this world that don’t require a team effort, the sharing of ideas, and collaboration to realize our goals. Moreover, I would insist that for today’s organizations to have any hope of competing in the global … [Read more...]
Effective Change Management Requires Creative Means to Involve All Stakeholders
While change is inevitable, the change process is still largely threatening to employees who go through it. The business structure that will stem from an effective change management process should strengthen the organization, but it is important to help your employees work through the emotional and psychological implications of such change. It … [Read more...]