"I've seen too many take the approach that it must be a leap. There was a
lot of mischief generated under the words like "breakthrough", "leap" and
"non-linear results".
The mischief wasn't so much in the idea or the word as in the missing
ingredients of understanding what that meant and what it would take and,
most importantly, of the pursuit of breakthrough being a state of
learning, of experimentation, of development - not a word to be used to
manipulate greater performance or unaided results from others. This
latter was too frequently the case.
I speak from the experience of being one of the leaders in popularising the
word "breakthrough" - it was the name of my company - and having worked with
many consultants around the world using the term. Almost always it was put
to a use that produced manipulation and a later increased skepticism. This
from people with great intentions - and limited awareness and understanding.
I include myself in this group. "
End of quote.
I too am a consultant and it seems that there is a lot of pressure to
produce breakthroughs for clients these days. I've heard many definitions
but no practices that can consistently produce "breakthroughs." I'm
vaguely familiar with the Breakthrough Thinking methodology. I'm also
familiar with creativity techniques etc.
Currently I am working with a client who has modified the Japanese Hoshin
idea and has just finished developing their "breakthrough objectives" for
next year, which are in addition to the "normal" work. I would like to
help them achieve their objectives.
In light of Michael's comments, I have the following questions:
1. What are the lessons learned from having promoted the notion of
breakthroughs?
2. Are there standard practices organizations can engage in that increase
the likelihood of achieving BT objectives?
3. What is the role of consultant in helping companies produce breakthroughs
in thinking AND action?
Regards,
Margaret McIntyre
MargMcI@aol.com
--Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>