CHALLENGE – Stimulating Paradoxes
Happy Labor Day!
It is Labor Day in the USA, the annual?celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers.
At this time, employers are experiencing a very tight labor market. This specific context presents a variety of realities for business operations, workers, and job seekers. Accepting realities and innovating strategic action _within them_ are what we are digging into this week with CHALLENGE.
7 Week Strategic Thinking Exercise
This week of the Strategic Thinking Exercise series, we focus on articulating CHALLENGE for your strategic action.
Week 3: CHALLENGE
Barriers or weaknesses may be what come to mind for you when I say CHALLENGE. In this exercise, CHALLENGE is fruitfully articulated as a constant for the environment in which you are working. Your CHALLENGE is not to overcome or fix; instead, it is the reality of the situation in which you are working.
Fruitful ideas and opportunities for action emerge within the tension of juxtaposed realities. The paradox of “yes…, and...”. This thinking is very conducive for innovation when you avoid diminishing realities using “either-or” thinking and “but” references. Accepting the tension of paradoxical realities fosters innovative thinking of solutions.
Prompt for CHALLENGE*
The realities we must face to progress purposefully are ...
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What paradoxical challenges must we face to make progress? i.e. “How is it that we are …. and we are… simultaneously?”
* Replace “we” with “I” if you are doing this strategic thinking exercise for your personal strategy.
I get it; these prompts are hard to wrap your head and collectively your team around. I invite you to begin by generating a list of realities that you/your group recognizes. Then match up pairs of opposite realities that are both true. Share the list of pairs and continue to co-create paradoxical pairings. See which draw the most attention. Those that may generate awkward and uncomfortable feelings usually mean that you are on to something meaningful.
Here are some examples to stimulate thinking:
Tips for success:
Reach out to me with your CHALLENGE. What really grabs your attention as the heart of your CHALLENGE for strategic action?
Strategically yours,
Your Secret Weapon to empower leaders and teams for greater impact
3 年Another example from 2020…. ‘How are we shutdown from the pandemic and open for business?” We saw much innovative adaptation to strategic action forward with this challenge.
Certified Economic Developer and Commercial Realtor in South Texas specializing in Economic Development, Site Selection, and Commercial Real Estate for public entities.
3 年Thanks for the “challenging” article. Like your direction. The fundamental question is why are we doing what we are doing, yes? If we are meant to do X why are we doing Y? It is all about choices, and opportunity cost, in my mind. Are we on the same page?
Business Development Advisor Affiliated with California Technology Council
3 年Here are some?examples?to stimulate thinking: (family) How am I dedicated to my work and present for my family? Last 3 years I took my wife with me when traveling for business or conferences. When I left economic development I moved closer to family in another city to be present with a growing grand son. How is it we are a competitive community and a regional partner? Regions are larger markets which is what business wants to sell into and use the human and material resources. If your community is unique is assets physical and/or human while leveraging the benefits of the regional market everyone can successfully compete and win. How is it that our organization partners with other non-profits throughout our community and also competes for funding and volunteers to advance our organization’s purpose? No one profit can do it all. However, if the economic development organization brings investment and jobs then the pie grows and can support other non profits. When the pie shrinks hard decisions and cut have to be made by all. What's essential? How are we protecting our troops and sending then into harm’s way? Support force with air superiority and the ability to reach over the horizon and strike. ??