What do you do if your creative ideas clash with other disciplines in the social impact field?

Creative ideas are just that: ideas. They might not be practical nor reasonable, and - this one's a critical thing - they might be ahead of their time. If you're noticing that your ideas are clashing, it might be time to share all your ideas requiring implementation by others with a notebook first, and spend your time with your colleagues listening. Listen to colleagues who bring different perspectives about what's possible and what's not given work flows / budgets / impact pathways, etc. Try implementing your ideas in your own work flows. You'll notice that creative ideas are first drafts and not sustainable over time. If they work and add value, share your experiences. Otherwise, stay creative. And also, be humble.

Embracing diversity in the realm of social impact starts with a deep connection to one's higher self, fostering self-acceptance that grounds us in our core values. This internal alignment empowers us to engage with others authentically, without the distortions of ego. It cultivates an atmosphere of mutual respect, understanding, compassion, and gratitude. Such an approach doesn’t just accommodate diverse perspectives; it values and seeks them out, recognizing that the richness of human experience strengthens the collective effort towards a greater good.

I've had the opportunity to be an Innovation facilitator and mentor as part of the global UNLEASH program. UNLEASH is one of the largest efforts globally looking to build and scale innovative solutions in line with SDG goals. Diversity is at the core of how the innovation program is structured. First, from the perspective of how passionate Talents are selected from across geographies to participate in the annual innovation labs. Second, and more importantly how the innovation process enables diversity of perspective throughout the five day labs.

When my creative ideas clash with other disciplines in the social impact field, I focus on teamwork and finding common ground. I believe in embracing diversity and working together to solve problems. Instead of getting stuck in disagreements, I use research and data to guide our decisions and find solutions that everyone can support. For example, when I led the transition of a training program to digital platforms, I made sure to consider everyone's needs, including those of women in rural areas. By working together and valuing everyone's input, we can make a bigger difference in the communities we serve.

Innovation thrives on diversity. When creative ideas clash, it's an opportunity to create something exceptional. Each sector, from real estate to energy, brings unique insights that can lead to innovative solutions with broad societal benefits. Embracing diversity means actively listening, respecting different approaches, and collaborating effectively. This approach ensures all voices contribute to impactful outcomes. By fostering such an ecosystem, we drive social impact, enhance strategic agility, and deepen our understanding of global markets. Let’s champion collaboration to create sustainable value across communities.

There are a few innovation tools that I have routinely used to seek common goals as part of innovation labs. - Question storming: This is a simple exercise where all participants bring out all questions on their minds as they come into a working session or a lab. This helps participants feel heard and also help bring out the elephants in the room and sets up a level playing field for the rest of the discussion. - Common values: Having participants spend a few minutes together agreeing on some common sets of values that are important to each one on the group helps drive alignment at a more foundational level and sets up the team. - Lastly, aligning on 'Must have' and 'good to have' objectives as a group

When you can identify a clear shared overarching goal it accomplishes two things: 1. It reduces judgement of others involved because the goal becomes the shared identifier. 2. It creates a common North Star that those involved and that the broader community can engage with.

Turns out, "knowing" the common goals of a social system is an arrogant mistake. Building scaffolding to facilitate and discover a group's common goal(s) is better. This method transcends individual differences, steering collaboration.

When creative ideas clash with other disciplines in the social impact field, seek common goals as a unifying force. Focus on shared objectives that align with the mission and values of all disciplines involved. Foster open dialogue to understand different perspectives and identify areas of overlap. Collaborate to integrate diverse ideas and approaches, creating innovative solutions that address complex social challenges. By emphasizing common goals, you can harness the collective strengths of interdisciplinary teams and maximize impact.

Seeking common goals is all well and good, but what if those goals are wrong, or are misguided? Maybe your ideas clash with established thinking because they're a better way of doing things. Don't align your goals with others if you don't agree with them. The social impact sector needs to be challenged, and needs disruption, if it's to find ways of solving some of the stickiest problems facing people and planet. Be brave, fight your corner, and push for the change you want to see in the world - but of course, do it in a respectful way.

Effective communication is crucial in harmonizing diverse ideas. Clear articulation of thoughts and empathy for other perspectives are key. Avoid sector-specific jargon to make discussions accessible to all stakeholders. Using inclusive language enhances dialogue, reduces misunderstandings, and facilitates consensus. This approach not only resolves conflicts but also promotes cooperative action towards shared goals.

At this point in as much as we’re desiring to be understood, understanding others will help us communicate our ideas to them better, with empathy and understanding.

In the area of social impact, creative clashes can offer a rich tapestry of perspectives. Through my work integrating mindfulness and innovation, I've learned to harness these encounters. By closely observing and engaging at every touchpoint, I can discern the root of resistance, whether from legacy methods or evolving needs. This understanding is crucial for designing transitional models that blend the best of old and new, fostering inclusive and impactful progress in our journey toward a more connected and empathetic New Economy.

Facing resistance from other disciplines can be a powerful catalyst for innovation. Use this challenge to refine and evolve your ideas, making them more inclusive and adaptable. Consider integrating elements from various disciplines to forge hybrid solutions that address broader social impacts. Demonstrating flexibility and a readiness to adapt not only showcases leadership but also underscores a commitment to collective success over personal attachment to initial concepts.

It’s the case of using lemons ?? thrown at you to make lemonade. Being positive in face of diversity could open our minds to other possibilities as we exercise creativity

Building robust relationships across disciplines is crucial in business. As a seasoned leader, I’ve learned that understanding the perspectives & expertise of others establishes a foundation of trust. This trust is invaluable, especially when resolving conflicts, ensuring all parties are committed to a respectful resolution. For newcomers, actively engage with colleagues from different departments. Learn about their roles and challenges. This not only helps in navigating conflicts but also opens doors to innovative collaborations. Embrace these connections as they are key to resolving current issues and driving future successes. In business, the strength of your relationships often determines the success of your outcomes.

In a way, we need one another in spite of the diverse nature of our work. Knowing this early, will help us to seek to collaborate, create a better environment for negotiation and understanding

It's wonderful to have guiding mantras that frame your perspective, especially those with positive outlook. These principles not only offer a direction but can also inspire teams and communities. The concept of beginning with abundance aligns with leading from a place of potential and possibility, which is incredibly empowering. Meanwhile, incorporating enjoyment into work transforms it from a duty into a passion. These mantras are a testament to the idea that the way we approach challenges is just as important as the solutions we devise: 'Start with the abundance that resides in your heart, not the scarcity mindset of the brain.' 'Embrace life with the curiosity of a child, playfulness of a teenager, and wisdom of an adult.'