Talk about fast paced – WOW!  January flew by and the pace of February is staggering.  We have launched new strategic initiatives on transformation, Narrative Arcs, and education in Boise, Las Vegas, Dallas, and San Antonio.  We have a huge goal-setting project, based on our participatory model, ready to launch for a national client this week, and we are working on The Challenger tennis tour stop, here in Dallas.

These are exciting times around the CREATIVE VENTURES offices!

We are always honored to play a role in a client’s strategy. Our educational curriculum, strategic platforms, and platform presentations are always evolving ─ adding the most recent information and ideas.  They are dynamic issues in our philosophy, and their value is even higher when the information is on the cutting edge.

There is a progression that occurs when information is applied and becomes knowledge.  To no one’s surprise, knowledgeable organizations are made of knowledgeable people.  Remember: organizations behave, but PEOPLE learn!

I love the idea of transformation, and we often get involved with clients embarking on this journey.  They recognize that in a changing world they need new ideas, behaviors, skills, and perspectives to set the competitive pace.

The problem is most companies or organizations don’t realize that transformation is not just a word, not just an idea, but a real, and substantive process.

It differs from change.  Change can happen organically.  It might be a new product or shift in personnel, but transformation is a REALLY BIG THING and requires a laser-like focus to a systemic process.

First let’s look at the word – TRANSFORMATION, from the root word to transform or from Latin – Transformare.  It means to cross over.  It is a word of motion and movement.  Organizations that transform are in constant motion.  Motions of ideas, actions, communication, and thinking.

In the next few months I want to take a look at the core elements found in the process of transformation.  Let start at my favorite spot, the beginning:

SIMPLICITY:  When we get to play a role in a client’s transformation process, we always seem to get there after the beginning and sure as the sun rising, we find high levels of complexity in plan. They allow their zeal and excitement of a different future build layer after layer of what they see as transformational steps.  The first idea to hold on to is that successful transformational organizations develop a simple and elegant approach to the process.  The steps can be articulated in quick, clear sentences.  To gain the level of engagement necessary for success, you have to develop a sense of clarity of purpose like you have never done before and perform to that clarity.

Next month we will take you through THE CHALLENGE and SMALL VICTORIES.

I love just trying to keep up with what’s going on in the world.  It takes hours a week. And just when you think you have it, when you feel a strong grasp around this chaotic world, your confidence gets yanked out from under you like your balance on an icy spot.