Out Think How Innovative Leaders Drive Exceptional Outcomes

by Hunter, G. Shawn; Sanders, Tim

• ISBN13: 9781118505229
• ISBN10: 1118505220
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2013-07-31
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

We’ve entered a new era. Call it the age of imagination, ideation, conceptualization, creativity, innovation—take your pick. Creativity, mental flexibility, and collaboration have displaced one-dimensional intelligence and isolated determination as core ingredients of competitive advantage. But these 21st century methods and mindsets needed to drive innovation are only found by tapping into the discretionary levels of passion and initiative within us. This is where Out Think leadership comes in.

Out Think presents big ideas along with actionable advice to drive unique value and innovation in today’s chaotic marketplace. In each chapter a key idea, behavior, or mindset shift is discussed. The shift is illustrated through proprietary interviews with business leaders conducted by the author. Techniques are described to show how the shift or idea can be implemented, with real-world examples. Assessments, exercises, and actionable messaging are highlighted throughout the book.

While some books address the changing economic landscape and the challenges of the creative age, Out Think is unique in the author’s unparalleled access, spanning more than a decade, to executives and thought-leaders who are, in fact, making a measurable difference. Through interviews and collaboration with these individuals, Hunter has assembled insights, stories, and actionable take-aways, with an emphasis on results that can drive the change that leaders want and need in their organizations.

Author Biography

G. Shawn Hunter (Portland, Maine) is Executive Producer for Skillsoft's video learning products. In developing these products, Hunter has collaborated with and interviewed hundreds of executives, thought-leaders, academics and authors in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Europe and Australia. These interviews have been transcribed, tagged and published in Skillsoft's Leadership Development Channel and 50 Lessons products. Shawn co-founded Targeted Learning Corporation with his father, Hal Hunter, Ph.D., which was acquired by Skillsoft in 2007. Prior to founding TLC, Shawn worked a ski instructor, on a ranch in Montana, an English teacher abroad, and bicycled across much of America.

Skillsoft is a pioneer in the field of learning with a long history of innovation. Skillsoft provides cloud-based learning solutions for our customers worldwide, who range from global enterprises, government and education customers to mid-sized and small businesses. Skillsoft serves over 5,000 customers and more than 13 million learners worldwide and provide continuing, hands-on support to assist them in maximizing their ongoing success.

Table of Contents

Foreword xi

Introduction 1

Chapter 1 Marketquake: Moving beyond Arrested Decay 5

Chapter 2 Trust: Establish the Engine of Leadership 29

Chapter 3 Inquiry: Provoke with Questions, Not Answers 45

Chapter 4 Exploration: Go to the Woodshed 69

Chapter 5 Aspiration: Dream Well—You May Find Yourself There 89

Chapter 6 Edge: Embrace New Kinds of Risk 107

Chapter 7 Connection: Collaborate to Innovate 125

Chapter 8 Mash-up: Borrow Brilliance 149

Chapter 9 Action: Get Moving or Accept the Consequences 173

Chapter 10 Signature: Make It Your Own 189

Chapter 11 Purpose: Connect with “Why” 203

Chapter 12 Sustaining the Innovative Mindset 221

Notes 231

Bibliography 243

Acknowledgments 253

About the Author 255

Index 257