It would hardly be fish who discovered the existence of water.
                                                                         ~ Clyde Kluckhohn


If we have been part of the same social groups (family, friends, faith community, political party, industry, organization, etc.), it is often difficult for us to even describe our culture until we are exposed to contrasting ways of being, social norms, values and beliefs.  And, when we are faced with new "cultures' or other peoples' ways, a very human response is to not notice the opportunity for change or to reject what seems different to us because it seems wrong, dangerous or inferior.

Today I'm in Texas for the start of the annual NACCE (National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship) conference where, certainly, the concept of organizational culture will be a topic of discussion.  And, there will also be questions and assertions surrounding, "how can traditional educational cultures become more entrepreneurial?"

The easy part is to talk about these things.  We can sit in a circle and agree about descriptions of "what is bureaucratic" and "what is entrepreneurial."  If we were to take a multiple choice test, we'd probably get lots of "correct" answers.  But, if it was that easy, all of our organizations would already have been transformed … 


My current favorite recipe for the infusion of entrepreneurial mindset/behaviors throughout a group/organization is:

1.  Establish a Leader 

* someone needs to facilitate/accept responsibility and be capable of influence toward meaningful results (ideally:  someone who lives/breaths intrapreneurship/entrepreneurship/social entrepreneurship)

2.  Learn/Experience an Interpersonal Model together (e.g., Social Styles)

* find a gentle way to build self-awareness in individuals while establishing new ways of interacting (break out of committee/meeting habits that get in the way but often remain invisible because the patterns are so well established that they are accepted as "normal" or "correct")

3.  Learn/Experience a Process to Results Model together (e.g., Design Thinking)

* follow a process/way of thinking and behaving that has "results" built in (people will remain engaged/become more engaged when they see their investments lead to success - word will spread and others will want to join in, too)

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This recipe creates a positive psychology/appreciative inquiry experience including new knowledge, new skills and a new culture without blame and without ever having to say what wasn't working before ~

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The NACCE conference is a highlight of every year for me … if you haven't considered attending, put it on your calendar for October 2019 … in California ~ www.NACCE.com

The Power of Story - are you listening to Congress?

Good news, bad news.  Stories are powerful.

As we watch Congress this week and consider contrasting descriptions of two individuals' pasts, which stories do we believe?

Is it the power of the story that makes us reach our conclusion or who the storyteller is?

The power of the facts?

And/or our life experiences and personal beliefs that inform our perception of what is "true"?

What is compassionate?

What is fair?

What is just?

What is wisdom?

What is the right thing to do?

The values of American micro-cultures are in full view right now.   Are we creating what we aspire to be?  Still hoping.

Why entrepreneurial mindset/behaviors are important to our students, faculty - all of us in higher education:

Why entrepreneurial mindset/behaviors are important to our students, faculty - all of us in higher education:

According to the Department of Labor, 65% of students who entered school in 2015 will work in jobs that have not yet been created.  With this in mind, we need to go far beyond delivery of course content and offer students experiences that prepare them for the dynamic global economy (not for the jobs of the past).

When some individuals hear terms like "entrepreneurship", they think of classes within the business department.  But, entrepreneurial mindset and behaviors are consistent with descriptions of 21st century work skills addressing attribute development such as self-efficacy, agency/proactive behavior, curiosity/creativity and solving problems/creating solutions in uncertain environments with limited resources.  It is not about knowing, it is a way of being and skills in doing.  

In the past, educators were valued primarily for their subject matter expertise but according to Joseph Aoun's book "Robot-Proof:  Higher education in the age of artificial intelligence", pedagogy will have to be innovated if we are going to provide relevant educational experiences for our 21st century learners.  To accomplish meaningful changes in cultures of higher education that will drive that innovation, we too need to develop our entrepreneurial capabilities. 

(Thank you, Rob, for sharing Aoun’s book with us!)

Litmus Tests: Supreme Court Justices and Leaders?

 

As the country moved toward Monday of this week and Brett Kavanaugh's nomination for Supreme Court Justice, there were many news reports about litmus tests.  As usual, depending on which news outlets you engage in, you heard a variety of viewpoints spoken as absolute truths.

………………………………………………………….

So, whether you believe that "people will die" or "the constitution will be honored as written and precedent will hold" should Kavanaugh serve on the High Court and … whether you like, or dislike, the idea of litmus tests being applied, IF you had to design a litmus test for leaders (this is an intellectual, critical/creative thinking, exercise on Friday the 13th), what would it be?

Well, if I HAD to choose one today, it would be:

The Leader believes conflict can be an opportunity (not only a problem) and the Leader has the skills to 1) create purposeful conflict and 2) successfully move through conflict (i.e., whether purposely engaging in conflict or responding to conflicts initiated by others).

IF you had to design a litmus test for leaders today, what would it be?

What does this say about your perspective on/beliefs about leadership?

………………………………………………………….

And, if Kavanaugh ends up as our next Supreme Court Justice, let's remember what was stated this week about litmus tests and absolute truths …

I hope we get better at handling conflict together so that we can move through important, purposeful conflicts together.



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Purposeful Conflict - 

* a conflict that, when resolved, can lead to a positive outcome (e.g., problem solved, better understanding, deeper relationships, collaboration, innovation etc.)

~ engaging in purposeful conflict represents entering into a social situation that others many find uncomfortable (or even hostile) based on an expectation that moving through the conflict successfully will lead to a positive outcome

~ Ideally, this leads to a positive outcome for all stakeholders.  For example:
When the customer first said, "No, I don't want to buy", the consultative sales person willingly entered purposeful conflict with the customer in order to meet the customers needs and close the sale.

Burqa Ban in Denmark

Yesterday Denmark banned women wearing the burqa and niqab.  

After August 1st, the fine for first time offenders will be approximately $156.  

An earlier version of the legislation included 

possible jail time, but that punishment was removed.

Who decides ... 

What is freedom?

What is empowerment?

How do we protect human rights around the world?

What if News Anchors and "Experts" consulted Hofstede as a first step?

Cultural Groupthink

As negotiations continue between the US and N Korea,

how insightful are the analyses we're watching on the news?

Are we being enlightened or indoctrinated 

into groupthink based on our own cultural lenses 

lulling us into submission 

(aka an absence of critical thinking)?

How well can anyone negotiate (or analyze negotiations)

without an understanding of self and others?


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Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions - Country Comparison
(N Korea isn't available so included S Korea)
www.hofstede-insights.com

Hera Hub ... an inspired workplace for entrepreneurs

What is Hera Hub?

"Inspiration, collaboration, and resources 

to launch and grow your business"

herahub.com\phoenix

Shatha Barbour is using her passion and 
previous life/career experiences 

to create opportunities 
for entrepreneurs in this new coworking space.  

It's a convenient location 
right off of the 51/Highland 

and walking into the space 

feels like fresh air, light and an art gallery 
all at once.  

Visit and find out more!