Agility = The Most Important Word for Today’s Leaders

Get ready for the future at the Creative Innovation 2017 Asia Pacific conference taking place 13-15 November 2017 in Melbourne, writes entrepreneur Tania de Jong AM.

Creative Innovation 2017 Asia Pacific: Human Intelligence 2.0 – Thriving in the Age of Acceleration (www.ci2017.com.au)

“Things are getting better and better and worse and worse, faster and faster, simultaneously.” Tom Atlee.

Never before has one species been able to conquer or impact so many elements on earth so dramatically. We are accelerating into the future. The rate of change continues to astonish us. Where will it end?

And, more importantly, are we the masters of our future? Will we set the direction for the economy and the environment? Will we set out the nature of the ethical society we want to live in? Or will events and mistakes overtake us?

Agility. Perhaps no word is more important for today’s leaders. The ever-increasing pace of change demands that leaders be ready, willing, and able to quickly adapt and change course.

As the saying goes: “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.” But how can we develop the ability to rapidly process information and change course in environments that too frequently constrain us?

Indeed, while humans as a species are born to be creative and adaptable, as we go through school and work we become increasingly rigid and risk adverse. Can we become the ‘improv comics’ or jazz musicians the world so sorely needs to solve our wicked problems?

Over time, organisations can become more rigid. Rigidity is actually a feature, not a flaw, because the only way an organization can scale is by finding consistent ways to repeatedly solve a particular set of problems. However, a strength in one context becomes a weakness in another.

As the pace of change accelerates, we are increasingly asking organizations to become more agile.

That means developing the systematic ability to test, learn, adjust and adapt. To tolerate missteps, mistakes, false starts, fumbles, and, yes, even failures. That’s much easier said than done. How can organizations develop cultures that hardwire innovative behaviors such as immersive research and rapid prototyping?

Actions we take now will impact future generations in a most powerful way. Can we find innovative solutions to the great problems of today and those that threaten us in the future, including climate change, poverty, automation of jobs, terrorism, high energy costs, scarcity of food, water and key resources?

We must find the great and small ideas, the human energy and a new augmented intelligence to drive forward in a world of huge potential – thanks to artificial intelligence, robotics and burgeoning human capital – while facing enormous problems now and on the horizon. Yes, we live in interesting and challenging times.

The global economy swings between optimism and pessimism. Governments are increasingly paralysed. Many businesses are cash-rich, risk-averse, strategically incremental and lacking fresh ideas and innovation. The world needs leadership, invention, generosity and daring now more than ever. We need audacity and abundance not austerity.

Individuals and organisations need to embrace bold, creative ideas and innovative solutions that represent real business opportunities and spark a revolution for courage and change. We must attack our big, wicked, problems to improve the economy and society as a whole, re-invent the future and ensure we do not leave people behind.

We face the certainty of uncertainty.

Strategic creativity is increasingly valuable to nations, communities and individuals making the transition to innovation and knowledge-based economies. Creativity and innovation are vital for businesses exposed to globalisation, increased competition, consumer diversity and rapidly changing technology.

Tomorrow’s competitive success will be based on the implementation of creative ideas and the ability to keep up with an ever-accelerating world. The development of agile human beings who can imagine and create innovative new solutions is the key to future success and sustainability.

Get agile at Creative Innovation 2017 Asia Pacific  (Ci2017) taking place 13-15 November 2017 in Melbourne, Australia.

Ci2017 will help you understand and make the most of the exponential advances in robotics, artificial intelligence, automation of jobs and vehicles, healthcare, energy, workplaces and cities of the future and other major trends.

You will join with directors, leaders and emerging talent from many of Australia’s and the world’s major organisations, state and federal government departments, universities and entrepreneurs across all sectors.

Don’t miss the world class line-up of visionary innovators, futurists and leaders that are gathering at Ci2017 to help us better understand and prepare for our rapidly changing world.

This event will give you the knowledge and tools to develop the leadership mindsets you need to transform your organisation. A place to imagine the future, inspire your leadership and achieve business success.

With global and national awards to its credit, this is the must-attend event for everyone seeking fresh insights, ideas, tools and connections. Join us at Ci2017 to prepare for the age of acceleration and transform your thinking and organisation.  

Forty plus global speakers, three day conference, master classes, deep conversation, hot spots, gala dinner and grand debate

One day conference tickets starts from $1,180 // Deep Conversation $150 // Master Classes $260 each // Gala Dinner $225

We are delighted to offer a special discount to Ci2017 for your community. Please use the password “acceleration” to receive 10 per cent off Platinum, Gold and Silver conference packages.

Purchase your Ci2017 Early Bird tickets before August 31st and save up to $883 on Platinum, Gold & Silver conference packages.

www.ci2017.com.au
www.creativeuniverse.com.au
www.taniadejong.com

About the author: Tania de Jong AM is an acclaimed Australian soprano, award-winning social entrepreneur, creative innovation catalyst, global speaker and spiritual journeywoman. She founded Creative Universe, Creativity Australia, Sing for Good, Creative Innovation Global, Dimension5, MTA Entertainment & Events, Pot-Pourri and The Song Room and works with diverse communities through Creativity Australia’s With One Voice choir social inclusion programs and the global community wellbeing video challenge Sing for Good.

She works across the public, private, creative and community sectors. Tania speaks and sings around the world as a soloist and with her group Pot-Pourri releasing seven CDs. She is founder and executive producer of award-winning future-shaping events series, Creative Innovation Global. Tania’s TED Talk How Singing Together Changes The Brain has sparked international interest.  Tania released a solo CD Heaven on Earth and is releasing her new album Flying Free in 2017. Tania’s mission is to change the world, one voice at a time!

Twitter: @TaniadeJong