The Cynefin Framework is central to Cognitive Edge methods and tools. It allows executives to see things from new viewpoints, assimilate complex concepts, and address real-world problems and opportunities. Using the Cynefin framework can help executives sense which context they are in so that they can not only make better decisions but also avoid the [...]

Here is an animated audio presentation by Dan Pink illustrating ideas from his latest book, Drive. Example? “As soon as the task calls for more than rudimentary cognitive skill – money doesn’t motivate”. It’s not just Dan thinking that management by control has its limits – Gary Hamel writes here about “the widening fault lines [...]

From Rob Freeth via Dave Snowden, here’s a strategy for engaging others in creating change – change by design if you like – that doesn’t require control, rules, regulations… or consultants for that matter.

Destination Open Innovation may sound like a space shuttle mission but it was actually a unique event held at the University of Hull which aimed to encourage cross-business idea-sharing. Run in collaboration with Castleton Consulting, the University of Hull, Yorkshire Water and the Environmental Technologies Centre of Industrial Collaboration (ETCIC) at the University, the project [...]

Here is why the world needs change consultants: ‘Deregulation of the chicken’s side of the road was threatening its dominant market position. The chicken was faced with significant challenges to create and develop the competencies required for the newly competitive market. Andersen Consulting, in a partnering relationship with the client, helped the chicken by rethinking [...]

How come, after decades of help from change consultants, people have hardly moved forward in understanding how their organisation sustains and/or develops itself in the midst of a dynamic environment? Could it be that we (as change consultants) are failing to accurately grasp the nature of the contexts in which we attempt to peddle our [...]

Bob Sutton posted this back in December about the hollow language – bullshit, basically – used in business. Top of my queasy list is quick wins and I think it’s the veneer of cheerful plausibility and success without effort that gets my stomach churning. I suppose quick wins aren’t entirely evil – if you are [...]

Thanks to Mark Earls for stubbing his toe on this: One year in 40 seconds from Eirik Solheim on Vimeo.

Here’s a project we have some involvement with…