Theme

Conference 2010 will focus on building “Thinking Organizations” – tapping into the collective brain power of people and coaching them on how to learn and think differently in a rapidly changing business world.

Successful companies have common threads, as described in the well-researched books, Good to Great and Built to Last, such as an enduring purpose and investing in sustainability ⁽¹⁾. But to thrive in an increasingly competitive and turbulent new economy, fresh, new thinking is required. The critical, creative, logical, systemic, strategic and conscious thinking capabilities of all employees need to be developed ⁽²⁾. Rather than benchmarking the successes of the past, the ability to visualize and implement ideal solutions for the future is what sets great companies apart.

Building a thinking organization requires creating an environment of positive mental health. It means exploring the human side of dealing with change and looking at the neuroscience of how our brains adapt. It means supporting more fluidity in thinking, on one hand, while encouraging more critical thinking on the other. Successful companies have developed a higher order of thinking and are able to draw on the collective intelligence in their organizations more easily. Better processes coupled with an environment that provides the time to think leads to better thoughts, better actions and better results.

Thinking organizations provide employees with a healthier culture within which to work, where freedom of expression, trust, respect and risk-taking are valued and quality of work-life is improved. Benefits to the organization include: more openness to ideas, more in-depth thinking about challenges, an increased range of solutions, more creativity, greater innovation, and increased possibilities ⁽³⁾.

Health Work & Wellness™ Conference 2010 will provide a program to help participants understand what is required to build a thinking organization and how this improves organizational health. Workshops and case studies will offer various approaches to expanding organizational thinking power and to creating an optimal thinking environment.

As we emerge from economic recession, the success of organizations will be determined largely by their ability to think in a new business environment. Optimal performance at all levels will depend on optimal thinking.

References:

1. Collins J. and Porras J. 2002. Built to Last, HarperBusiness Essentials, New York, NY.
2. Yost, B. The organization of the future is here today: The Thinking Organization revealed. Sept. 14, 2009. SF Workplace Issues Examiner. www.examiner.com.
3. Lynda Curtin materials from www.debonoforbusiness.com.