Dr Glenn Rothberg
The broad format of the presentation was to outline a number of problems with ideas in organisations and then to outline possible solutions. The presentation started by drawing a connection between horses, including those at the Calgary Stampede, and proceeded to sketch how ideas and management could be considered to be adrift.
In the first part of the presentation, Glenn suggested that problems with how ideas are addressed in organisations included: idea contact, idea development, related measurement problems, and coverage problems. From among this list, particular problems identified included: undue reliance upon functional, mechanical, and dehumanizing roles in organisations, and the unintended consequences of organisational boundaries, such as best practice.
In the second part of the presentation, Glenn sketched a solution framework, and outlined how it works. This included the identification of what was described as: an idea overlay, with a focus on idea activity, combined with traditional elements found in organisations. An idea interaction dimension was then combined with an idea progression dimension. This was illustrated with: moving goalposts, changing best practice, and accommodating what was happening to ideas, and redefining the classic job description.
Drawing the presentation together, Glenn suggested that the role of management was traditionally limited by its origins, which had more to do with controlling horses than addressing ideas.
Rotarian questions about idea activity touched on 'horse sense', the practicalities of restructuring organisations to accommodate an enhanced role for ideas, and there was some discussion on enabling this.
Bob thanked the club again for the hospitality. I cannot speak for the rest of the members, however after the talk I could identify with the polar bear.