A642.3.3.RB_BorutyAlan_Lessons Learned

Lessons Learned

As I read the assigned reading this week, I was looking closely for the hidden lessons I am supposed to be learning and ultimately writing about in this blog.  I was on the third or fourth page of Safian’s Find Your Mission article written for Fast Company when it hit me.  The entire world has changed in a significant and fundamental way and I somehow missed it completely.  How can that happen?  Do not answer that.

Detail three lessons learned and how they impact your view of innovation and leadership.

1.       Individuals today value meaning and purpose in their work, more so than money.  They want to be a part of something inherently good.  Job security for commitment to the company contracts no longer have value.  They want to be passionate about their work. 

a.      This changes my view on leadership, but only slightly.  These workers are not motivated by the same things as older generations are.  They are motivated by their work.  They tend to need less direct leadership involvement but require frequent feedback.  Eventually, this generation will flatten out organizations.  Get these individuals engaged in their work and performance will soar.  My view on leadership is not really impacted but it is affected.  I may not be able use even similar styles of leadership in the organization.  But, that would be an issue I would have to resolve.  I think the transformation to a workforce that thrives on meaningful work and purpose is a good shift.  Perhaps backstabbing over promotions and other attention will cease to exist.

b.      The impact to my view on innovation is minimal.  An organization that has established a culture of innovation and considers innovation as a strategic strength will be able to bring these individuals into the innovative process.  As long as the company purpose is not conflicted or damaged. 

2.      For the companies, purpose and mission are more than just statements. When a company’s purpose is focused on something beyond money, the more money the company makes.  Examples in the article were advancing humankind and integrity in selecting ingredients for food.  If a company finds their mission and they operate according to it the mission often becomes their greatest competitive advantage.

a.      This would tend to impact my view on leadership positively.  I tend to associate leaders with the company and if the company lives by their mission, I associate the leaders to that mission as well.  I realize it is an assumption.  But I prefer to give the benefit of the doubt up front.  If proven wrong I can easily adjust appropriately.

b.      My view on innovation would also be swayed positively.  If the purpose and mission are inherently good the company’s behavior should follow in all endeavors

3.      Leaders will have to adjust to the differences in today’s workers versus yesterdays.  This adjustment could be a difficult one.  One would not think so because companies are operating with greater meaning and purpose along with the younger generation.  It is not always that simple.

a.      My view on leadership would remain unchanged until I witnessed interactions to verify they are communicating effectively would be important to me.  Sometimes people with similar ideas have slightly differing opinions on the details.  Although unlikely, this can lead conflict and resentment.   

b.      The impact to my view of innovation would be minimal but I would watch closely until things were running smoothly.  Helping the company to achieve its goals falls into both party’s strength.  A cooperative relationship is still a necessity.

Discuss your innovative skills and detail three ways you can make a "useful" contribution to your organization

I honestly like the transformation occurring within the workforce today.  This shift is more give than take.  If everyone shared these same beliefs.  The climate in the work center would improve drastically overnight.  Meaning and purpose is available to everyone.  I may be reading into it but I believe someone with that set of core beliefs would be more respectful, tolerant and participative.

My innovative skills include leading innovation, establishing and maintaining a culture of innovation and idea screening.  I am not necessarily the most creative person, but I can help with generating ideas.  However, I would probably be better suited to screen and analyze ideas.  When the time came, I would be able to help with making ideas useful.  Introducing a group of people who think and behave differently adds diversity into the organization.  That is almost always a good thing.

~Pete

References:

Safian, R. (2014). Find your mission (cover story). Fast Company, (190), 66-110. Retrieved from http://web.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/ehost/detail/detail?vid=2&sid=753597de-0e90-47ee-a1de-c19336933805%40sessionmgr101&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#AN=98741012&db=bth

*This entire post is based on Safian’s article, Find your mission as referenced above