Reading List

Business Model Innovation

Two good resources and more to follow:

Click to access Short%20Guide%20to%20GBMI%20-%20Final.pdf

http://www.virgin.com/unite/business-innovation/experiments-entrepreneurs-the-circular-economy

Capitalising on Complexity

This paper uses Visa as a case study of a company that works within a rapidly changing, unpredictable system to profit through increasing organisation learning or flexibility and the creation of new business models.  It draws inspiration from systems theory and  bio-mimicry to give insight into how to manage towards profit in this environment.

http://transitionconsciousness.wordpress.com/2011/10/10/on-the-cutting-edge-of-chaos-chaos-and-complexity-creativity-and-innovation-in-business/

The power of impossible thinking

One of our colleagues, Animesh, sent through this excellent interview. It links to a new book called the power of Impossible Thinking by Gerry Wind (Wharton) and Colin Crook (ex-Citibank). And yes, his name really is Crook. http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=1007

The book is focussed on realising the value we unleash when we challenge our existing mental models. It draws on the fact we create barriers to performance by our perspective. An example used is Roger Bannister breaking the four minute mile in 1956. Within 3 years 16 other runners had also done this previously ‘unthinkable’ thing.

This clearly resonates with our theme of radical change. In addition, it ticks off a key point in Donella Meadows list of 12 ways to effectively intervene in a system – to change paradigms. The structure is clear and follows much of my research into systems transitions – discover the paradigm, work out what keeps it in place, understand other options and then change everything.

Unfortunately it relies on individuals to identify and then challenge their own mental models – in itself a virtually impossible task?

Even if you don’t read the book – try the inital challenge to your thinking on the website – http://www.impossiblethinking.com/.

Systems and Change: Balancing group and individual needs

I’m currently reading Power and Love by Adam Kahane. It is a departure from many systems books which look towards technology to understand how related parts of a defined whole interact. Kahane focuses on sociological interaction for positive change. He explores dimensions of “Love” (defined as connectivity) and “Power” (defined as self-determination). The book is based on his practical experience resolving emotive political issues and explores both his mistakes and successes.

In a world of individuals driving towards self-determination it acknowledges the need for this drive but reminds us of the equal importance of collective thinking and group cohesion. Its all about balance.

Fascinating and highly recommended.