[Ailist] Wall of Wonder

[Benchcomm at aol.com]

Dear Ann:
 
I made up a version of this technique and used it in 1996 when  starting a 
consulting engagement with a global design firm... 
 
There were 11 presidents at the meeting along with their  direct reports - 
about 35 people. We used this process to create a shared sense  of reality - 
 
Having pre-interviewed some of the key players, I unearthed a  lot of 
adversarial behaviors, blaming and distrust. By boarding the history of  the company 
- which at that time was only 12 years old.... and identifying the  outside 
forces... it shifted the tone in the room from foe to friend as they  realized 
what they had been through together... 
 
As we charted key events - how fashion was changing... how  they were in 
front of the curve.... how they had to work together to beat the  competition... 
it started a new process internally for "gaining market insight  before the 
market."
 
The CEO promoted one of her direct reports to a new role... to  go around the 
world and scout out new ideas, fabrics, etc. they created a  future-site room 
to layout key ideas and trends... We then launched into a  process of 
bringing the brand leaders together to discuss how the presidents of  each of their 2 
major brands could work together to create alignment in  products (apparel, 
shoes, accessories, etc.)
 
>From this new awareness of the need for synchronization  internally - it 
paved the way for collaboration - even co-creation.  The  culture now had a new 
set point... and began to heal old wounds...
 
Best wishes,
 
Judith
 
Coincidentally, the IAF put this out as their technique of the month in  May.
_www.iaf-world.org_ (http://www.iaf-world.org)  

I think  this is what you are looking for. I'm also interested in other 
instructions  and examples/experiences of using this approach.

Ann
Ann  Brown
Vancouver,  BC



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Judith E. Glaser, CEO
Benchmark Communications,  Inc.
_www.creatingwe.com_ (http://www.creatingwe.com) 
_jeglaser at creatingwe.com_ (mailto:jeglaser at creatingwe.com) 

Author:  Creating We & The DNA of Leadership
Liminal Faculty & Board Member


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