Transformative Thinking in the Organization

Abstract

“Problem solving” in an incremental fashion is often not enough to develop long-term solutions in an unstable market where technology is changing fast. This paper considers Transformative Thinking, a fundamental departure from the usual "problem solving" to a radical re-interpretation of identity and value production. Transformative thinking provides a paradigm for transformation in the business, economy and society. It considers cognitive barriers and structures such as aversion to risk-taking and cognitive inertia. It looks at how to develop a “transformative mindset” at all levels of the hierarchy. It integrates systems thinking, design thinking, and agile leadership to create a model for a systemic environment that actively fosters and embraces disruptive ideas and projects, rather than just tolerating them. The report’s findings show that companies that adopt a revolutionary business mindset, instead of sticking with the status quo, are more resilient, more able to engage their employees and better able to respond to market changes. The study concludes that the ability to think transformative is a fundamental need for the contemporary organization rather than an optional creative capability.