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Aerojet Rocketdyne's InThinking Network welcomes Ivan Rosenberg, from Los Angeles, to lead our seventh Ongoing Discussion of 2013 on August 7th and 9th (and our 163rd session since we began in January 2000). These later dates were selected to avoid a conflict with Ivan's travel schedule. As for a topic, Ivan has selected "Reliably Producing Breakthroughs" in his first time with us as a Thought Leader.
I was introduced to Ivan by Allen Goad, a friend and aerospace entrepreneur who met Ivan through his membership in The Aerospace & Defense Forum, a group Ivan chairs. Given his appreciation of the advantages of collaboration and team work, with a foundation of thinking together, we extended an invitation to Ivan to share his experiences with "reliably producing breakthroughs."
In his Thought Piece, Ivan opens with these thoughts,
Every organization has important problems for which there appear to be no solutions. Every suggestion and every study makes these problems seem more complex and less solvable. A major obstacle to solving such problems is the way we often view them:
- Studying the problem is assumed to be one of the steps, typically an early step, toward a solution.
- The problem-solvers focus on fixing a solution that didn't work rather than on accomplishing the real goal, or they work toward different goals.
- The importance of solving the problem is not clear to those who have been assigned to solve it.
- The problem-resolution process is not clear or not agreed to by the participants.
Sound familiar? Consider also, this explanation of convergent problems in Part 1 of the Thought Piece:
The following approach is typically used in solving problems:
- Find a feasible solution method
i. Define the problem.
ii. Analyze the problem.
iii. Develop solution methods, generally modifications of methods that have succeeded in the past.
iv. Select a solution method. - Execute the selected solution method.
This approach works well on convergent problems - one of the two main classes of problems. The more you study convergent problems, the easier they are to solve. They are similar to problems solved in the past. Methods that solved past problems typically quickly generate at least one feasible solution. As analysis continues, the solution improves. Finding the fastest way from one location to another is an example of a convergent problem. You can use methods from the past - calling for directions, logging onto MapQuest, serendipitous searching - to plan your route.
In Part 2, Ivan offers these 8 principles for producing breakthroughs:
1. Apply the method appropriate to the type of problem you are facing.
2. Generate a paradigm shift by distinguishing facts from assumptions (interpretations, opinions).
3. All participants agree on Success Criteria (the real Goal) expressed in objective, measurable terms.
4. Start with a Commitment for which the group has an unquenchable passion.
5. Separate creative thinking (brainstorming) from feasibility analysis.
6. Involve all stakeholders in the obstacle resolution process.
7. Use consensus for group decision-making.
8. Anticipate what could go wrong
In Part 3, Ivan presents a 4-phase process for producing breakthroughs.
Link here to download Ivan's Thought Piece and learn more.
Link here to register to attend.
Looking ahead, our August "Better Thinking About..." webinar will feature Mike Tveite on August 8th on the topic of "Better Thinking About the System of Profound KnowledgeTM).
Link here to register to attend.
And, further ahead, mark your calendars to join us on August 28th and 29th, when Ret. Col. Mike "Puck" Mykleby will join us for the August Ongoing Discussion to lead a conversation on "A National Strategic Narrative." Look for the registration link in the announcement for Mike's "Better Thinking About..." webinar.
Biography
Ivan is the President and CEO of Frontier Associates, Inc., has over 30 years experience as a management consultant and change agent, supporting organizations in which the leadership is committed to achieving breakthrough results in organizational performance.
He received Bachelor and Masters degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Cornell University and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Management from the University of Rochester. While an assistant professor at Rochester Institute of Technology and CalPoly San Luis Obispo, he assisted a variety of organizations, including the State of California, in improving business IT systems.
In 1981, Ivan founded Distinctive Solutions Corporation, which develops commercial finance software for banks and other financial institutions. Under his leadership, the company raised over $5 million in venture capital, and became a national leader in its field. After 25 years of operation, the company was sold in 2006.
With Frontier Associates, Ivan consults with companies to produce sales, efficiency, and profitability results far beyond what might be predictable by past performance. His engagements include organizational culture changes, strategic planning, breakthrough problem solving, team and partner building, innovative sales training, and training and coaching senior executives. His clients include Amgen, Microsoft, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, NASA Langley Research Center, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Johnson & Johnson, Good Samaritan Hospital, Deluxe Laboratories, qLogic Corporation, Viewsonic, the W.M. Keck Observatory, the Gemini Observatory, the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, the Space Telescope Science Institute, the Giant Magellan Telescope, the ALMA telescope, Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., and Warner Bros. He has directly consulted 19 robotic space missions. Ivan Rosenberg is a highly-rated public speaker and the author of over 130 published articles.
Contact Ivan by e-mail at irosenberg@frontier-assoc.com with any questions or comments you would like to share with him in preparation for this OD session.
Cheers...
Bill
Associate Fellow and Lead
InThinking Network
Aerojet Rocketdyne
Canoga Park, California
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