So in dramatic moments of change, or in dealing with the
change inherent in people and organizations, the necessity is a
balanced, innovative mind-set.
Keep Progress in Perspective
Wherever we find ourselves on the spectrum, from early
adapters to wary troglodytes, we do well to adjust our personal
enthusiasms or cautions to the realities at hand. Doing that takes
broad perspective beyond our personal experiences.
The more we know, the more we can apply. For instance, we
are always impressed by the way Peter Drucker handles questions
about current dilemmas. Before giving a practical application, he’ll
tell a story about some twelfth-century monk or the early devel-
opment of General Motors or Japanese manufacturing experi-
ences. Having depth of knowledge and multiple reference points
enable us to see the big picture and thereby refine our applica-
tions. Although today’s global seismic shifts are changing every-
thing, in many ways principles are ageless, and we see their
applications best in multiple contexts.
Broad knowledge also helps us put innovation itself in per-
spective. How much of it is progress is hotly debated. In fact, some
make the case that scientific and technological advances, which
fuel all this information overload, are hurtling us toward disaster.
Innovation is a “mixed blessing,” but the truth is that any
team, any organization must grow and innovate.
Ten years ago when CTI’s chairman Jack Modesett was a new
trustee, we flew to his office in Houston for a creative session.
“You need a frontier mentality,” he challenged us. “Expand your
horizons, but also prepare for failures.” He advised that success
comes with “running scared” while realizing that time and events
can catch you if you don’t stay ahead of the curve.
Find Innovators
The particular challenge before us may require simply our
own wisdom—or if large and complex, a team of those capable of
fresh thinking.
Innovating