Problem
Corporate status quo after event/during engagement. Solutions will often be most successful if all of the participants take responsibility for the outcomes, not only of the DesignShop, but also for the actions and behaviors that are necessary “back at the ranch.”
Solution
People must understand and internalize the consequences of not changing. We need to “highlight” those that have taken responsibility (often leaders) so that others will follow (be inspired!) Participants must understand and internalize the consequences of not changing.
People must have a strong business case that is relevant. They must develop the necessary INTENT to engineer one or many solution(s). A solid business case will help them when ‘they are up to their asses in alligators that their original objective was to drain the swamp.’ Overcoming resistance is much easier when the business case can spell out a compelling need.
Response-ability has another facet. The solution must incorporate responsiveness to change in the internal climate or external marketplace. See the ‘Appropriate Response Model.’
Internalizing the consequences of not changing means that the DesignShop must clearly identify the need for change. If the participants do not accept the ‘burning platform’ then it will be safe to not solve the problem or create whitewash. They must feel the problem in the pit of their stomach—that if they don’t solve this thing they are in deep trouble. That is a key ingredient to generating creative tension. The burning platform is most clearly articulated by the sponsor introduction. In events where no burning platform was created, the participants are not wholly engaged in finding a solution, are not committed to it, and/or mentally check out of the program. This is most evident in some of our internal E&Y sessions.