APOD's Specialist Areas

Creative leadership is about finding innovative strategies to address problems, opportunities, issues, challenges and concerns of an ever changing environment.  It is about the generation of a climate where people feel confident about thinking the unthinkable and making positive change.

High performance teams are highly adaptive and motivated to achieve a dramatic results in short time frames.  Often comprising of high performing individuals, they can easily de-rail if insufficient attention is paid to the team dynamic and interpersonal tensions.

Real communication using skilful discussion moves beyond an advocacy approach where people discuss to win, and into the territory of exploration, discovery and insight.  It demands real listening, inquiry and the building of shared meaning.  Levels of self awareness are also increased as the intent behind communication is made conscious and patterns of thinking that inhibit real connection and communication with others are brought to light.

Applying sound managed change theory and practise takes more than mapping the journey from A to B.  Working with colleagues at Irving & Irving Associates, we have chosen the brilliant and common-sense approach to Managed Change™ developed by La Marsh & Associates, Inc.  Through it, change agents adopt a robust and structured approach to change, paying attention not only to structure and process change requirements but also the often under-looked issues of people and culture.

Organisational development requires a long term look at the health of the organisation and takes a strategic view of the development of the people and culture and its fit with business strategy.  Various data gathering methodologies are often employed including opinion surveys and 360 feedback tools. Whatever OD model is favoured, clarity and board buy-in to the data and direction are critical elements in synchronous movement forward.

Success derives as much from a company’s soul as from its products and services. Yet while culture is absolutely central to competitive success, few leaders understand how to proactively shape the values, beliefs and mental models that form the foundation of long term success.  Pinning down and crafting the corporate culture requires practical diagnostic tools and robust change management to make the elusive tangible. 

Creativity is about thinking of novel and appropriate ideas, not just crazy ideas.  Innovation is the successful implementation of those ideas.  In business, this means developing and delivering products and services that move beyond fad value.