Reference no: EM132216098

Leadership, Innovation, & Group Problem Solving

Learning module description/summary:

Group creative and innovative endeavors require a leadership style that can best be described as "disciplined freedom", a phrase first coined by Sydney Parnes. The team members must be allowed to freely explore the different idea avenues they encounter, but they must remain cognizant of the topic in question and adhere to project realities like budgets and deadlines. The materials this week focus on the actual work, or process, of problem solving for innovation (and builds on the "How might we...?" concept from last week), and the leadership efforts that are vital to drive and guide the efforts. The textbook material in the Strategy chapter covers the business model canvas concept at a granular, tactical level.

David Boje's chapter offers great insight and guidance to leaders of problem solving teams, especially that the person who is most accountable for solving the problem - the leader - should not lead the problem solving process. The differentiation of content leadership (what the group is working on) and process leadership (how the group works together) is a practice I employ every time I facilitate or train groups in creative problem solving (I was amazed when I read the chapter for the first time that Boje also advocated for the separation). Boje's discussion of the different games people play is also fundamental for managing group creative performance. The textbook discusses patterns in terms of business models; Boje discusses games as recognizable patterns of interpersonal behavior that negatively impact group performance.

The IDEO deep dive video touches on many of the same subjects, minus the game playing. The Deep Dive is now a management classic. The group process described, especially the rules of interaction discussed are the seminal rules of brainstorming (yes, there are specific rules for brainstorming. Just about everyone has been involved in a brainstorming session but almost no one knows the rules to follow, let alone has internalized the rules such that they are skilled at brainstorming). Both Boje and the IDEO video at least imply the importance of developing skill in process leadership in being an effective leader of innovation.

Module Outcomes/Objectives: A and C.

Required Readings/Resources:
• Textbook (BMG) Strategy Chapter
• Boje's chapter "Making a Horse Out of a Camel"
• Amabilie&Khaire's "Creativity and the Role of the Leader"
• Watch IDEO "Deep Dive" video

Consider and analyze the role of leadership of creative and innovative efforts from your own experience. This can include your own role as leader, or your experience of working as part of a team under the leadership of someone you found particularly (in)effective.

Include the week's assigned material and from previous weeks in your answer. In other words, base your answer in the theories and concepts of the course and do not just relate a personal experience.