The Imperfectionists: Strategic Mindsets for Uncer tain Times

The world is changing faster and faster, with increasing uncertainty and threat of disruption in every business and nonprofit segment. Conn and McLean's novel approach to strategic problem solving, based on harnessing six reinforcing strategic mindsets, can help management teams develop organizational direction under uncertainty and succeed in dynamic, real-time strategic problem-solving. Being an imperfectionist is a critical advantage for organizations in this fast-changing world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 12 April 2023
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc

The world is changing at an unprecedented pace, bringing with it increasing uncertainty and the threat of disruption across every business and nonprofit sector. Conventional approaches to strategy development and problem-solving no longer suffice in this dynamic environment. The stable industry and market equilibrium structures that we once knew are gone, and there is no guarantee that they will return anytime soon. In fact, most company planning processes are nothing more than fantasy, as market conditions are evolving too rapidly for armchair strategizing to be practical. As a result, many management teams are finding themselves stuck in a wait-and-see posture, unsure of how to respond to the extreme uncertainty in the post-COVID world. On the other hand, some are making panicky bets, such as pursuing "leap before you look" acquisitions, in an attempt to navigate this challenging landscape.

In this sequel to their bestselling book, Bulletproof Problem Solving, Conn and McLean introduce a novel approach to strategic problem-solving. Based on a decade of research and 30 new case studies, The Imperfectionists propose a dynamic approach to developing organizational direction under uncertainty by harnessing six reinforcing strategic mindsets. These mindsets are curiosity, dragonfly eye, current behavior, collective wisdom, imperfectionism, and show and tell.

Imperfectionists are characterized by their curiosity, which drives them to look at problems from multiple perspectives and gather new data and approaches, even from outside their current industry. They embrace risk-taking and trial-and-error, using nimble and low-consequence moves to deepen their understanding of the unfolding game and build their capabilities. They are comfortable with ambiguity and even apparent failures, recognizing that these experiences can lead to improved learning and a stronger market position.

By adopting a dynamic and real-time approach to strategic problem-solving, imperfectionists succeed where others wait for certainty or make impetuous and foolish decisions. They confidently move forward, adapting to changing circumstances and seizing opportunities as they arise. In contrast, those who remain stuck in a wait-and-see posture or make hasty decisions risk falling behind and losing their competitive edge.

The Imperfectionists offer a valuable framework for management teams looking to navigate the uncertainty of the modern business world. By embracing curiosity, risk-taking, and learning from failure, organizations can develop a resilient and adaptable mindset that enables them to thrive in the face of adversity. The book provides practical insights and tools for building a strategic problem-solving culture within organizations, helping teams to identify and address complex challenges with creativity and innovation.

In conclusion, the world is changing faster than ever before, and traditional approaches to strategy development and problem-solving are no longer sufficient. The Imperfectionists offer a novel approach to strategic problem-solving that harnesses the power of curiosity, risk-taking, and learning from failure. By adopting these mindsets, management teams can develop a dynamic approach to organizational direction under uncertainty, positioning themselves for success in the ever-changing business landscape.

Weight: 566g
Dimension: 242 x 196 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781119835660