diversity+inclusion=innovation (great ideas 2011)
Post on 16-Sep-2014
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A presentation on cognitive diversity (diversity of thought) as a key driver for decision making, problem solving and innovation delivered at the ASAE Great Ideas Conference (March 2011) by joe gerstandt....www.joegerstandt.comTRANSCRIPT
diversity + inclusion = innovation
considering cognitive diversity
#ideas11 [email protected]
joegerstandt.com/bloglinkedin.com/in/joegerstandtyoutube.com/joegerstandt
slideshare.net/joeg…so now you have my digits yo
diversity
is…differenc
e
difference
takes many forms
difference is
relational
…it exists between
people, not in people
difference is a catalyst
…difference always
changes social groups
(tension)
difference changes social groups…
greater diversity = greater variance in performance
(groups with more diversity perform better or worse than groups with less
diversity)
social group+
difference
= conflictconflict or creationcreation
inclusion is…Our ability to include
difference.
• fairness of governance practices
• openness to difference• inclusion in decision making
cognitive diversityThe extent to which the group
reflects differences in knowledge, including beliefs,
preferences and perspectives.
-Miller, et al (1998) Strategic Management Journal
analyticalrationalrealisticfactuallogical
definitive
risk takercreativeflexible
synthesizerconceptual
intuitive
persistentplanner
organizeddisciplined
detailedpractical
passionatecooperativeempatheticexpressive
harmonizingresponsive
Solving technical problemsAnalyzing complex issues
Logical approach
Interpersonal aspects of situationsIce breakers
Socializing in meetings
ConceptualizingInnovating
Seeing the big picture
Routine MeetingsDetails
Structure
Expressing ideasUnderstanding group dynamics
Team building
Logic ahead of feelingsNo interaction with people
Implementing ideasDeveloping plans
Follow-up and completion
“Blue Sky” thinkingNot following the rules
Joys
Frustrations
Joys
Frustrations
Joys
Frustrations
Joys
Frustrations
Cerebral Mode (abstract & intellectual thought)
Limbic Mode (concrete and emotional processing)
Left
Mod
eR
ight Mode
ANALYZE
ORGANIZE
STRATEGIZE
PERSONALIZE
analyticalrationalrealisticfactuallogical
definitive
risk takercreativeflexible
synthesizerconceptual
intuitive
persistentplanner
organizeddisciplined
detailedpractical
passionatecooperativeempatheticexpressive
harmonizingresponsive
countingmoney
spendingmoney
savingmoney
helpingthe others
Groups often fail to outperform individuals because they
prematurely move to consensus, with dissenting
opinions being suppressed or dismissed.
-Hackman & Morris, Advances in Experimental Social Psychology
Exposure to minority dissent increases individual courage to resist group pressures to
conformity.-Nemeth, Chiles (1988) European Journal of Social Psychology
Minority dissent, even dissent that is wrong, stimulates
divergent thought. Issues and problems are considered from more perspectives and
group members find more correct answers.
-Nemeth, Staw (1989) Advances in Experimental Social Psychology
The debating of dissenting issues consequent to different
approaches and perceptions associated with cognitive
diversity has been found to stimulate divergent thinking,
which is closely linked to creative output.
-Nemeth, Nemeth-Brown (2003) Group Creativity, Oxford University Press
MBA Harvard University
100 people
MBA Harvard University
100 people
team #1
MBA Harvard University
100 people
team #1
team #2
MBA Harvard University
100 people
team #1
team #2
friends with
cognitive
benefits
These theorems that when solving problems, diversity can trump ability and that when making predictions diversity matters just as much as ability are not
political statements. They are mathematical truths.
-Scott Page
If everyone is thinking the same thing,
someone isn’t thinking at all.
-General George S. Patton
how?
intersections• networking and interaction
across organizational boundaries (C.O.P.s)
• “The Social Origin of Good Ideas” -Ronald Burt
• training and experiential diversity
social network analysisFrom time to time people
discuss important matters with other people. Looking back over the past six months, who are the people with whom you discussed matters important to you?
social network analysisConsider the people you
communicate with in order to get your work done. Of all the people you have communicated with during the last six months, who has been the most important for getting your work done?
social network analysisConsider an important project or
initiative that you are involved in. Consider the people who would be influential for getting it approved or obtaining the resources you need. Who would you talk to, to get the support you need?
social network analysisWho do you socialize with?
(spending time with people after work hours, visiting one another at home, going to social events, out for meals and so on. Over the last 6 months, who are the main people with whom you have socialized informally?
discuss & decide differently
• appreciative inquiry, world café, listening circles, open space, ignite
• blogging, twittering, social networks
• change who is in the conversation
discuss & decide differently
• expect everyone to promote and participate in honest, candid conversation and support the final outcome
• ground rules• discuss and practice disagreeing• devils advocate
-Brenda Zimmerman
high difference lowdifference
high interactio
n
learninggrowth
self-organization
stressconflict
exhaustion
celebrationreinforcement
energy
low productivitywasted energy
factionslow
interaction
reflectionsafety
clearing the decks
isolationmisunderstanding
frustration
comfortbelonging
rest and recovery
boredomstagnation
deathDifference MatrixGlenda Eoyang HSDI
high difference
lowdifference
high interactio
n
move to low difference:Tell a joke.
State a shared value or belief.
Share personal experience.
Pick a low difference topic.
move to low interaction:
Stop communicating.Leave the area.Explain yourself.
Pick a low communication
topic.low
interaction
move to high interaction:
Ask a question.Use another medium.
Listen more.Pick a high
communication topic.
move to high difference:Amplify little differences
Play devils advocatePick a high
difference topicDifference MatrixGlenda Eoyang HSDI
thank you!
resources• The Difference: How the Power of
Diversity Creates Better Groups, Firms, Schools, and Societies | Scott Page
• The Wisdom of Crowds | James Surowiecki
• A Whole New Mind | Daniel Pink • The Medici Effect | Frans Johansson• The Geography of Thought | Richard
Nisbett
resources• Achieving Success Through Social
Capital: Tapping Hidden Resources in Your Personal and Business Network | Wayne E. Baker
• The Whole Brain Business Book | Ned Herrmann
• Competitive Advantage Through People: Unleashing the Power of the Work Force | Jeffrey Pfeffer
joe gerstandt
www.joegerstandt.com
[email protected]/joegerstandt
www.linkedin.com/in/joegerstandt
www.facebook.com/joegerstandt
402.740.7081