Response to "8 Keys to Innovation: Building Brands by Killing Frogs"

I found this article to be extremely interesting and I agreed with most of what the author was saying.  He explained that innovation is about looking at the broader picture, requires the ability to be able to apply concepts to different situations (analogize), and depends on a person's insights.  I definetly agree that those who are innovative do not think in narrow terms and instead are able to use their insights from all aspects of life.  I also agree that those who are innovative are able to anticipate others' behavior ("theory of mind").  I especially agree with the author that a person's frame of mind determines whether or not they are innovative.  the author stated "Data and even information do not produce insight unless they are combined with a lens, default mode, or frame of reference that act as an organizing principle."  I particularly like this statement because I agree that just facts, data, or any kind of information is only useful to a certain extent unless its combined with insights, creativity, and a frame of mind to draw further conclusions.  This quote reminded me a lot of the article reviews we do in our class (and other classes).  The point of them isn't to just state the facts or the ideas introduced; instead we are supposed to use our personal lens, frame of mind, and our insights to draw further conclusions that aren't spelled out for us.  However, I do not think that innovation, insight, the ability to analogize, thinking in broader terms, and being able to anticipate others' behavior is something that can easily be taught.  I believe it can be taught to some extent but never mastered and instead is something people are either inherently good at or not.  I feel like there are people who either "get it" or don't.

I thought this was an excellent article for Organizational Theory and Behavior because mangement is an area that does in fact require all of the attributes discussed.  Managers who are unable to grasp and practice these concepts are not nearly as successful or enjoyable to work for as those who are. 

I found this article to be VERY intersting and enjoyed reading it.  The author said a lot of things that I have thought about before but had trouble verbalizing and putting into words.  Question for OB students: do you think innovation, a frame of mind, insight, and the ability to think in general terms and apply concepts to different situations is something that can be taught and learned?   

Response to the case "A Difficult Task Force"

         For this formal task group, I think leadership and motivation were the main problems.  The group did not seem to feel committed or motivated toward accomplishing the goal at hand.  If I were a consultant working on this case, there are a few things I would recommend.  According to the four-step framework introduced in chapter 9 of our textbooks, this group is clearly in the first stage of group development: mutual acceptance.  The group members are from diverse backgrounds and locations and do not know eachother well.  However, Jose immediatley jumps into the work.  Perhaps the group members would have been more motivated, stimulated, and more comfortable sharing ideas if they had been allowed to finish the group development process.  If they had been allowed a brief introduction period for the members to mingle and introduce themselves, they may have performed better.  Allowing the group to progress through the stages of development will make the group more productive according to our group.  However, this is a pretty liberal and radical approach.  I think if I had been in Jose's position, like him I would have expected the others to get down to business immediately and when they didn't, I would not have simply allowed them to go play golf before the work was finished.  I think in this case, if Jose did not choose to allow the group to get further in the development process, than he needed to be more firm with them and simply state that the meeting will not be dismissed until the job is finished.  This approach may create some anamosity from some of the members but since everyone at the meeting was of high standing and ranking, it should be expected that they would have acted accordingly.