[Ailist] Continuing to use AI to implement strategic intentions

[Richard Flor]

   Hello Colleen,

   I have NOT had experience in using AI and the 4D model in successive
   iterations within a single organization, however, my experience
   working with various types and levels of team, including work within a
   more traditional action research / OD process, has led me to recognize
   a few things which may be helpful to you.

   *  First, a key to just about any "change" effort (i.e., quality
   improvement, culture change, new program, etc.), has led me to
   recognize the importance of "building" buy-in through all phases of
   the initiative, from the early phase about deciding whether or not to
   adopt something new, to implementation, and follow-through (e.g.,
   evaluation).  I believe that one of the reasons why AI has been
   successful is that the nature of socially constructing meaning
   inherently builds buy-in.  Consequently, while the full 4D model may
   or may not be appropriate at different phase of the change process,
   the key is to make sure that key stakeholders have the opportunity to
   provide input, regardless of whether they take full advantage of this
   opportunity.  This is also one reason why "responsibility charting"
   can be so helpful: If there's someone who ought to be consulted /
   invited to comment even if they choose not to, the important thing is
   to "recognize" the key stakeholders.  This comes back to issues of
   respect, Glaser's "choice theory," and the fact that no one likes to
   be TOLD what to do.

   *  The second piece that I've found to be critical is moving from
   "ideas to action."  Many great ideas fail to take root because not
   enough attention was paid to implementation, and subsequently,
   evaluation.  While the development of action plans may be a
   "necessary" component, I don't believe this is sufficient by itself.
   First, the key stakeholders who are responsible for putting the action
   plan in place MUST be part of the action-planning process, and this
   often is NOT the case, resulting in what is perceived as "top down
   mandate" rather than a collaborative venture.  Another key factor in
   moving from ideas to action is to recognize that even the best laid
   (action) plans won't anticipate all of the speed bumps and challenges
   encountered in implementing an idea.  Recognition of this (Michael
   Fullan's classic on "Change Forces" is a wonderful read on this!), is
   important, as well as the continued involvement of key
   "implementation" stakeholders.

   So, while I'm not sure about what your role is in this process, I
   applaud your notion of continuing to use an AI-like approach to
   including key stakeholders through ALL phases of the change /
   innovation / improvement process.  The challenge may be to find some
   balance between just how much involvement various stakeholders need in
   order to take ownership and build buy-in, all the time recognizing
   that no matter how great the idea, unknowns will be encountered, and
   LEARNING about both the integrity / nature of the idea AND the change
   / innovation / improvement process is what's fun, exciting, and
   invigorating.

   Hope this helps in some small way to reinforce what you're trying to
   accomplish.

   Richard
   ************************************
   Richard F. Flor, Ph.D 
   President & Senior Consultant
   Creative Adventures, Inc. 
   "Developing Learning Competencies
   in Individuals, Teams, and Organizations"
   A Partnership Organization Since 1991
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   Lead Core Faculty - Research, Comprehensive Examinations, and
   Dissertations
   Organization & Management Ph.D Program
   Graduate Studies - School of Business and Technology
   CAPELLA UNIVERSITY
   richard.flor at capella.edu
   (406) 586-5139
   ************************************
       ______________________________________________________________

     From: Colleen Lucas <colleen.lucas at calgaryhealthregion.ca>
     To: ailist at lists.business.utah.edu
     Subject: [Ailist] Continuing to use AI to implement strategic
     intentions
     Date: Thu, 30 Aug 2007 09:37:46 -0600
     >Dear AI list members,
     > I have been using the AI approach in facilitating the development
     of
     >an intentional plan for mental health outreach services within a
     large
     >health region. The process went very well; now we are into the
     delivery
     >stage...developing action plans to implement/fulfill the
     intentions laid
     >out in the plan. Our plan is to have small groups who will do AI
     >interviews with a number of stakeholders--discovering what is
     being done
     >already and how to enhance to meet the intentions, as well as
     gathering
     >information re: generative benchmarks.
     >
     >My question for members is whether you have had any experience in
     going
     >through the 4D cyle in successive iterations and would appreciate
     any
     >advice and learnings you can share.
     >
     >Regards,
     >Colleen

     ><< colleen.lucas.vcf >>

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