My apologies for being MIA the past month - starting a new job, selling a couple of houses, and moving across the country (and in with my parents temporarily) has taken much of my time lately. I am happy to say, I am finally settling into my new normal and establishing routines that afford me the time to reflect on my leadership readings and experiences. For those of you following me on Goodreads, I will be spending time catching up on my reflections and review of readings that I’ve completed during the past several weeks. To start with, I thought I would share some insights from a book I just finished this morning A.L.I.E.N Thinking: The Unconventional Path to Breakthrough Ideas. I’m so grateful I didn’t skip last month's Leaderbook Club, as this was the assigned book and it has become one of my new favorites. A.L.I.E.N Thinking is a book devoted to establishing a framework or a mindset for innovation and risk. A.L.I.E.N is an acronym standing for: A: Attention L: Levitation I: Imagination E: Experiment N: Navigation Per the authors, Cyril Bouquet, Jean-Louis Barsoux, and Michael Wade, A.L.I.E.N thinking provides the following …
The chapter on imagination in particular spoke to me! So much so, that I even referenced it in my graduation video for our Corrections Education program at Walla Walla Community College. Here’s an excerpt of the script I put together: So, on that note – let me leave you with some words of wisdom from a book I am currently reading – ALIEN THINKING: The Unconventional Path to Breakthrough Ideas. ALIEN stands for – Attention, Levitation, Imagination, Experimentation, and Navigation – and these ideas make up a framework for thinking (or a mindset). Today, I’d like to focus on the I or imagination from ALIEN THINKING. The authors write “Imagination is about seeing. It’s the ability of your mind to produce original ideas by envisioning something that doesn’t exist.” In other words, you get to paint your canvas – or define your future. With the education you’ve received through WWCC, you have been empowered to write a new narrative. As Director Jamie Paullinetti famously said “if we use our imagination, our possibilities become limitless.” This new chapter or new story is likely both exciting and scary for many of you. As the authors of ALIEN THINKING note “fear is a common response when you are on the brink of growth or positive change.” It is not necessarily a negative emotion. Rather, fear can “push you.” It can “encourage you.” So, embrace your fear and use your imagination to find and conquer the next opportunity coming your way. I found the narrative about imagination so powerful, and one that I think we need to study closer in the higher education industry. We are at a pivotal time in higher education, one where we need to reimagine our mission, vision, and values. Moving beyond the framework, the authors recognize that far too often A.L.I.E.N thinkers allow fear and regret to interrupt their thinking -- and only through self-reflection and emotional management can individuals “avoid getting derailed” by them. The authors recommend we flip the script on fear and regret, and choose to use those emotions to empower change. As the authors write, “fear is energy” and it is within our power to define that energy positively or negatively. To be a change agent requires one to embrace self awareness, or “an understanding of your abilities, emotions, and drives.” The authors conclude noting “to change the world, you must be willing to change yourself.” To wrap up this reflection, I must say I found this book to be highly relevant for anyone in higher education leadership as the A.L.I.E.N mindset is something that leaders could employ regularly to remain open and adaptable to growth and change. Leaders must walk the walk and talk the talk! We must lead by example and remain committed to innovation and risk. All that being said, pick up this book and determine if you’re an A.L.I.E.N. I know I am! “It starts with you” - Cyril Bouquet, Jean-Louis Barsoux, and Michael Wade
1 Comment
|
AuthorDr. Jess Clark is a trained historian and higher education leader passionate about leveraging technology, including AI, to enhance learning experiences. A lifelong learner and servant leader, she empowers educators in the digital age. Through her blog, she shares expertise on educational leadership, curriculum development, and integrating technology in higher education, inspiring administrators and educators. Dr. Clark's commitment to embracing emerging technologies like AI reflects her belief in technology's transformative power in shaping the future of education. Archives
April 2024
Categories |