Solutions Brokers Keep Learning!
06/30/03
Patricia McLagan helps clarify what sets the stage for transformational change: “A learning organization has a more positive impact on overall performance than just a market orientation, which focuses on needs that customers say they have. Market orientation is good for adaptive change but seems to prevent radical change: Customers usually want refinements but don’t request products when they don’t yet feel a need. Learning orientation appears to go beyond that, supporting the kind of creativity that anticipates and even creates new customer demands.”
Is your commitment to lifelong learning showing in your organization? One of the first areas that is often cut in difficult economic times is training. People "get back to the knitting" and focus on selling what customers want. Unfortunately, if you are committed to being a solutions broker for your customers, they may be dependent upon you to help them find the transformational changes that will allow them to sustain and even expand a viable market position. They know how to ask for improvements, but often times won't know what innovation you are capable of creating. Learning organizations sustain their commitment to fostering new innovation streams fueled by creative, learning workers and professionals who know there is room in their day to play with the next dream. Multiple streams are encouraged. Some will prove fruitful; others will prove to be dead ends. But in each case, learning continues. How can you be the expert if you are not searching out the unexplored edges of your expertise? Those new streams of innovation dry up if not encouraged during the good and the bad times. What can you do this week to rekindle your commitment to learning for yourself and your team?
A PAULSON QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Learning organizations sustain their commitment to fostering new innovation streams fueled by creative, learning workers and professionals who know there is room in their day to play with the next dream. Multiple streams are encouraged. Some will prove fruitful; others will prove to be dead ends. But in each case, learning continues. How can you be the expert if you are not searching out the unexplored edges of your expertise?" --Terry Paulson, Ph.D.
MONDAY'S MIRTHFUL MOMENT
This week's mirthful moment comes from Dr. Ann Weeks' WEEKS OF FUN #268 where Paul O. shares the Perks of Being Over 60. Enjoy!
People call at 9 PM and ask, "Did I wake you?"
People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.
There is nothing left to learn the hard way.
You have a party and the neighbors don't even realize it.
You sing along with elevator music.
Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.
Your supply of brain cells is finally down to manageable size.
When you keep your eyes open for mirth, you just may find it! Hope this kicks off your morning and helps get your mood adjusted for the week. Now, get busy MAKING CHANGE WORK and have some fun along the way!...