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Coach Al Johnson
Good evening fellow strategist! I'm new to the group. Curious what any of you do to improve your strategy development skills?
Jay Bitsack:
Hi Coach,
Depends on what you mean by strategy development... Very often, strategy development involves a process. And in that context, there are ...MoreHi Coach,
Depends on what you mean by strategy development... Very often, strategy development involves a process. And in that context, there are skills that are necessary at the process level and skills that are necessary at the component/elemental level. But not to belabor the technicalities, the simplest and most consistently relevant answer to your high-level question is: READ...a lot!
5 weeks ago
Depends on what you mean by strategy development... Very often, strategy development involves a process. And in that context, there are ...MoreHi Coach,
Depends on what you mean by strategy development... Very often, strategy development involves a process. And in that context, there are skills that are necessary at the process level and skills that are necessary at the component/elemental level. But not to belabor the technicalities, the simplest and most consistently relevant answer to your high-level question is: READ...a lot!
5 weeks ago
Clay Forsberg
Imagine if we didn't need government! Imagine if the social and economic "safety net" was your friends, your neighbors and yourself.
"Community 3.0" ... The people Have the Power, Part 3 ~ http://bit.ly/HQ8D6N
5 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist, Problem Solving, Political Bloggers, Nonprofiteers and Inspiring Leadership3 more
Jay Bitsack:
Hi Clay,
Yes, humanity as we know it on this globe is rapidly approaching (before the next century) a major tipping point. And the notion of ...MoreHi Clay,
Yes, humanity as we know it on this globe is rapidly approaching (before the next century) a major tipping point. And the notion of community building is right on target with what's needed for humanity to not only survive the transition, but to also prevail beyond that event. In this regard, you might find the following books to be highly complimentary to and supportive of your own thinking: 1) Limits to Growth, 2) The End of Growth: Adapting to Our New Economic Reality, and 3) The Great Disruption: Why the Climate Crisis Will Bring On The End Of Shopping And The Birth Of A New World.
Very much in line with your concept for Community 3.), Chapter 7 of The End Of Growth addresses possible mechanisms for enabling a smooth(er) transition. One in particular, called "Transition Initiatives (or Towns), provides what might be a good elaboration on your ideas of what a 21st century community needs to be. Here's and excerpt from that chapter:
Transition Towns
Given the looming energy and environmental threats outlined in this book, it’s evident that something like the following is called for. We need a grassroots movement that educates people about these challenges and helps them develop strategies to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. It should aim to build community resilience, taking account of local vulnerabilities and opportunities. Ideally, this movement should frame its vision of the future in positive, inviting terms. It should aim to build a cooperative spirit among people with differing backgrounds and interests. While this movement should be rooted in local communities, its effectiveness would increase if it were loosely coordinated through national hubs and a global information center. The work of local groups should include the sharing of practical skills such as food production and storage, home insulation, and the development and use of energy conserving technologies. The movement should be non-authoritarian but should hold efficient meetings, training participants in effective, inclusive decision-making methods.
That may sound like a tall order. But here’s some good news: that movement already exists. It’s called Transition Initiatives, and communities that have one of these initiatives often call themselves Transition Towns.4 The “transition” that’s being referred to is away from our current growth-based, fossil-fueled economy and toward a future economy that is not only sustainable but also fulfilling and interesting for all concerned. Transition Initiatives got their start in 2005 in Britain through the work of a Permaculture teacher named Rob Hopkins. In his Transition Handbook, Hopkins tells how he came up with the strategy, and sets forth a range of useful guidelines for groups.5 Nearly all of Rob’s prose is saturated with irrepressible optimism:
Transition Initiatives are not the only response to peak oil and climate change; any coherent national response will also need government and business responses at all levels. However, unless we can create this sense of anticipation, elation and a collective call to adventure on a wider scale, any government responses will be doomed to failure, or will need to battle proactively against the will of the people.... Rebuilding local agriculture and food production, localizing energy production, rethinking healthcare, rediscovering local building materials in the context of zero energy building, rethinking how we manage waste, all build resilience and offer the potential of an extraordinary renaissance — economic, cultural and spiritual.6 Hopkins is careful to call Transition a “research project”; in a “cheerful disclaimer” on the Transition website he points out that there is no guarantee of success, because what is being attempted is unprecedented. We truly don’t know if this will work. Transition is a social experiment on a massive scale. What we are convinced of is this: • if we wait for the governments, it’ll be too little, too late • if we act as individuals, it’ll be too little • but if we act as communities, it might just be enough, just in time.7
Heinberg, Richard (2011-06-01). The End of Growth: Adapting to Our New Economic Reality (Kindle Locations 4757-4762). Perseus Books Group. Kindle Edition.
Regards,
Jay
5 weeks ago
Yes, humanity as we know it on this globe is rapidly approaching (before the next century) a major tipping point. And the notion of ...MoreHi Clay,
Yes, humanity as we know it on this globe is rapidly approaching (before the next century) a major tipping point. And the notion of community building is right on target with what's needed for humanity to not only survive the transition, but to also prevail beyond that event. In this regard, you might find the following books to be highly complimentary to and supportive of your own thinking: 1) Limits to Growth, 2) The End of Growth: Adapting to Our New Economic Reality, and 3) The Great Disruption: Why the Climate Crisis Will Bring On The End Of Shopping And The Birth Of A New World.
Very much in line with your concept for Community 3.), Chapter 7 of The End Of Growth addresses possible mechanisms for enabling a smooth(er) transition. One in particular, called "Transition Initiatives (or Towns), provides what might be a good elaboration on your ideas of what a 21st century community needs to be. Here's and excerpt from that chapter:
Transition Towns
Given the looming energy and environmental threats outlined in this book, it’s evident that something like the following is called for. We need a grassroots movement that educates people about these challenges and helps them develop strategies to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. It should aim to build community resilience, taking account of local vulnerabilities and opportunities. Ideally, this movement should frame its vision of the future in positive, inviting terms. It should aim to build a cooperative spirit among people with differing backgrounds and interests. While this movement should be rooted in local communities, its effectiveness would increase if it were loosely coordinated through national hubs and a global information center. The work of local groups should include the sharing of practical skills such as food production and storage, home insulation, and the development and use of energy conserving technologies. The movement should be non-authoritarian but should hold efficient meetings, training participants in effective, inclusive decision-making methods.
That may sound like a tall order. But here’s some good news: that movement already exists. It’s called Transition Initiatives, and communities that have one of these initiatives often call themselves Transition Towns.4 The “transition” that’s being referred to is away from our current growth-based, fossil-fueled economy and toward a future economy that is not only sustainable but also fulfilling and interesting for all concerned. Transition Initiatives got their start in 2005 in Britain through the work of a Permaculture teacher named Rob Hopkins. In his Transition Handbook, Hopkins tells how he came up with the strategy, and sets forth a range of useful guidelines for groups.5 Nearly all of Rob’s prose is saturated with irrepressible optimism:
Transition Initiatives are not the only response to peak oil and climate change; any coherent national response will also need government and business responses at all levels. However, unless we can create this sense of anticipation, elation and a collective call to adventure on a wider scale, any government responses will be doomed to failure, or will need to battle proactively against the will of the people.... Rebuilding local agriculture and food production, localizing energy production, rethinking healthcare, rediscovering local building materials in the context of zero energy building, rethinking how we manage waste, all build resilience and offer the potential of an extraordinary renaissance — economic, cultural and spiritual.6 Hopkins is careful to call Transition a “research project”; in a “cheerful disclaimer” on the Transition website he points out that there is no guarantee of success, because what is being attempted is unprecedented. We truly don’t know if this will work. Transition is a social experiment on a massive scale. What we are convinced of is this: • if we wait for the governments, it’ll be too little, too late • if we act as individuals, it’ll be too little • but if we act as communities, it might just be enough, just in time.7
Heinberg, Richard (2011-06-01). The End of Growth: Adapting to Our New Economic Reality (Kindle Locations 4757-4762). Perseus Books Group. Kindle Edition.
Regards,
Jay
5 weeks ago
Sam Rye
I'm interested in the world of the 'more than profit' that is emerging - think beyond Social Enterprise, and consider what a company looks like if it's goals are set around more than just making a buck. Would love to hear your thoughts people.
Brittany Thompson:
Funny you should mention this; I was just discussing these types of business models with someone else tonight! I definitely think this is an ...MoreFunny you should mention this; I was just discussing these types of business models with someone else tonight! I definitely think this is an exciting growing trend, especially as technology continues to bring us all together and create a sense of world citizenship (rather than just belonging to a small local community).
74 weeks ago
74 weeks ago
Butch Phelps:
This idea is what will really turn our country around. I believe if you are doing business to provide help for people, the money will follow you. ...MoreThis idea is what will really turn our country around. I believe if you are doing business to provide help for people, the money will follow you. I love helping people get out of chronic pain and the funny thing is, the people I help continue to refer their friends, families, adn even contacts to me. I love what I do!
71 weeks ago
71 weeks ago
TOP IDEA:
Robin Mills
After reading "The Dip", I've spent some time lately re-defining how failure fits into my life. I've been taught, either from family and friends or from media or society, that failure isn’t an option - that we must be good at everything we do or face being a“loser”, “unpopular” or “poor”. However, I have failed at a ton of things and am still standing….sometimes barely, but standing nonetheless. So I ask the question - is failure such a bad thing? What do you think?
105 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!, Career Changers, Brazen Careerists in New York City and The Modern Strategist2 more
Sadya Siddiqui recommended this
Tom Agler:
Most of us are conditioned to set a goal and make it happen. The implication is if you work hard enough it will happen. Guess what? someone forgot ...MoreMost of us are conditioned to set a goal and make it happen. The implication is if you work hard enough it will happen. Guess what? someone forgot to talk about all the twists and turns along the way. Working hard and smart and being persistent will get you there, but it will not be a straight path. Go easy on yourself. Expect to have setbacks, but keep moving forward. Stop only when you are satisfied with where you have landed.
tomterrific.
104 weeks ago
tomterrific.
104 weeks ago
Sara Gallagher:
There is a great blog focused on just this concept...principlesoffailure.blogspot.com. It is written by a friend of mine who chairs the ...MoreThere is a great blog focused on just this concept...principlesoffailure.blogspot.com. It is written by a friend of mine who chairs the Leadership department at the Naval Academy. Another good person to check out is David Burkus. He puts together a publication called LeaderLab (leaderlab.org) and a personal blog (davidburkus.com) and speaks publicly about "How to Fail" to improve performance. Recently heard him speak about "How to Fail at Meetings." Was great info!
104 weeks ago
104 weeks ago
Chris Paugh
Here is something to think about: What would you attempt to do if you knew you would not fail?
Lois Wilson recommended this
Chris Paugh:
That's so exciting, Dustin, having your first child! Now that is something that will truly change your life! It is so great that you have short ...MoreThat's so exciting, Dustin, having your first child! Now that is something that will truly change your life! It is so great that you have short and long term plans in place to fulfill your aspirations. Volunteering in Africa is something I would consider, and a great way to give back.
103 weeks ago
103 weeks ago
Chris Paugh:
Virginia I have to agree with you about learning from failures. Otherwise how would you possibly grow to be the person that you become. I know ...MoreVirginia I have to agree with you about learning from failures. Otherwise how would you possibly grow to be the person that you become. I know it has made me a stronger person in many ways.
The cupcake bus is such an great idea! I never thought that cupcakes could be taken to such heights! Seriously what a creative idea!
103 weeks ago
The cupcake bus is such an great idea! I never thought that cupcakes could be taken to such heights! Seriously what a creative idea!
103 weeks ago
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