The tallest job of leadership…
… is creating a successful tomorrow
Where do you want to go with your business?
As a young and upcoming architect in 1978, I was overwhelmed with the complexity of understanding client needs and wants. The traditional way was simply to list rooms to be included in the building. Building geometry and artistic expression dominated the conversation. Lacking was any qualitative information – the human stuff of what are the aspirations of the people involved and the values, thoughts and feelings of those who would occupy the spaces.
It took me more than 10 years to really solve the problem of getting at human needs and objectives.
In the late 80’s I traveled to the University of Southern California to meet with professor of industrial design Gerald Nadler. Gerald had been researching for 50 years the mental process that successful creators used to create outstanding design solutions. Once I learned his process of creative invention, my practice of architecture changed. I immediately put his Breakthrough Thinking process to work to successfully design 186 retirement homes that sold strongly in the market place.
I turned that experience into many successful projects that work for the fundamental needs of the buildings users – and most importantly my process springs from deep conversations with the client and their stakeholders. Everyone is a part of the thinking process that leads to a solution.
The main challenge I have found to be true over the years is that without the leadership’s willingness to explore and embrace the uncertainty of the creative process, and without a method to create an ideal solution, nothing happens.
It has taken me decades of practice and experimentation to refine the skills and leadership of moving an organization to new ideas about the future.
The years of practice I’ve had visioning design solutions for organizations is a perfect match for the new and growing business practice of “Design Thinking.”
But no important results happen without embracing, for a short time, the feelings of uncertainty that encompass fresh ideas.
Like any journey into new territory, a trusted guide makes the pathway clear and safe.
Call me for a no obligation conversation