Extraordinary Outcomes

Steel your team against the unexpected by planning for uncertainty Extraordinary Outcomes presents an innovative approach to thinking and planning, giving leaders a playbook for dealing with uncertainty. Written by internationally recognized authorities on problem solving and creativity in organizations, this book provides an alternative outlook on business strategy and people management for leaders navigating uncertain waters, where the future is anything but guaranteed. The framework is the result of research in multiple fields and the authors' experiences with individuals, teams, and organizations, with examples from real-world situations that illustrate the concepts and dynamics at work to give readers deeper insight. The focus is on conquering uncertainty – eliminating it where possible, reducing it where it can be reduced, and embracing it when it's inevitable. Traditional ways of thinking and planning do not work in the face of an uncertain future. Frequently there are just no guarantees, nothing written in stone, and even a fortune-teller couldn't accurately predict the outcome. Extraordinary Outcomes helps leaders prepare for that, with strategies geared toward preparedness and embracing uncertainty. Learn why skills and talent are only two pieces of a bigger puzzle Discover how to better galvanize the team, and keep them motivated long-term Connect to a purpose that inspires enthusiastic engagement Conquer uncertainty, and develop a strategy for dealing with mistakes No one likes to be caught off guard, and the consequences can be severe at the organizational level. Leaders can't be psychic, but they can plan for possible outcomes and always have a solution at the ready. For those who like to have an answer for everything, Extraordinary Outcomes provides a roadmap toward an uncertainty-proof strategy for doing business.

1 Skills and Talent Are Not Enough 1 Engage the Head and the Heart 2 Connect to a Compelling Purpose 9 Fuel Curiosity and Ignite Future-focused Thinking 3 Galvanize Your Team 29 Forge Tightly Aligned Teams Poised for Seamless Action 4 Amplify the Positive 57 Foster Resilience, Engagement, and Sustainable Change 5 Conquer Uncertainty 87 Bring the Future to the Present 6 Acknowledge, Learn, Correct 137 Fail Fast, Fail Early, Fail Cheap. Don’t Quit. 7 Shape Your Future 177 Embrace Purpose, Engage People, Expand Possibilities Acknowledgments 185 Notes 187 About the Authors 209 Index 211