Agility = The most important word for today’s leaders | Tania de Jong Am

1. www.taniadejong.com Agility = The most important word for today’s leaders “Things are getting better and better and worse and worse, faster and faster, simultaneously.” Tom Atlee Never before has one species been able to conquer or impact so many elements on Earth so dramatically. We are accelerating into the future. The rate of change continues to astonish us. Where will it end? And, more importantly, are we the masters of our future? Will we set the direction for the economy and the environment? Will we set out the nature of the ethical society we want to live in? Or will events and mistakes overtake us? Agility. Perhaps no word is more important for today’s leaders. The ever-increasing pace of change demands that leaders be ready, willing, and able to quickly adapt and change course. As the saying goes, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.” But how can we develop the ability to rapidly process information and change course in environments that too frequently constrain us?

2. www.taniadejong.com Indeed, while humans as a species are born to be creative and adaptable, as we go through school and work we become increasingly rigid and risk adverse. Can we become the improv comics or jazz musicians the world so sorely needs to solve our wicked problems? Over time, organizations can become more rigid. Rigidity is actually a feature, not a flaw, because the only way an organization can scale is by finding consistent ways to repeatedly solve a particular set of problems. However, a strength in one context becomes a weakness in another. As the pace of change accelerates, we are increasingly asking organizations to become more agile. That means developing the systematic ability to test, learn, adjust and adapt. To tolerate missteps, mistakes, false starts, fumbles, and, yes, even failures. That’s much easier said than done. How can organizations develop cultures that hardwire innovative behaviors such as immersive research and rapid prototyping? Actions we take now will impact future generations in a most powerful way. Can we find innovative solutions to the great problems of today and those that threaten us in the future, including climate change, poverty, automation of jobs, terrorism, high energy costs, scarcity of food, water and key resources? We must find the great and small ideas, the human energy and a new augmented intelligence to drive forward in a world of huge potential – thanks to artificial intelligence, robotics and burgeoning human capital – while facing enormous problems now and on the horizon. Yes, we live in interesting and challenging times. The global economy swings between optimism and pessimism. Governments are increasingly paralysed. Many businesses are cash-rich, risk-averse, strategically incremental and lacking fresh ideas and innovation. The world needs leadership, invention, generosity and daring now more than ever. We need audacity and abundance not austerity. Individuals and organisations need to embrace bold, creative ideas and innovative solutions that represent real business opportunities and spark a revolution for courage and change. We must attack our big, wicked, problems to improve the economy and society as a whole, re-invent the future and ensure we do not leave people behind. We face the certainty of uncertainty. Strategic creativity is increasingly valuable to nations, communities and individuals making the transition to innovation and knowledge-based economies.

3. www.taniadejong.com Creativity and innovation are vital for businesses exposed to globalisation, increased competition, consumer diversity and rapidly changing technology. Tomorrow’s competitive success will be based on the implementation of creative ideas and the ability to keep up with an ever-accelerating world. The development of agile human beings who can imagine and create innovative new solutions is the key to future success and sustainability. Tania de Jong AM is a leading Australian soprano, inspirational speaker, social entrepreneur, spiritual journey woman and creative innovation catalyst. She founded Creative, Creativity Australia, Music Theatre Australia, Pot-Pourri and The Song Room and works with diverse communities through the ‘With One Voice’ choir social inclusion programs. Tania sings around the world as a soloist and with her group Pot-Pourri releasing 7 CDs. She is Founder and Executive Producer of Creative Innovation Global. Tania’s TED Talk How Singing Together Changes The Brain has sparked international interest. Tania has just released her solo CD Heaven on Earth. Tania helps organizations build capabilities in creative thinking and leadership, develop a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, understand and manage disruption, foster diversity and community and unleash potential of individuals and teams. Tania speaks and performs around the world and presents leadership and innovation workshops inspiring diverse audiences of 10 to 10,000 people ranging from corporate executive teams, boards and entire organizations to universities, hospitals, schools, business and entrepreneurship forums and at major national and international conferences and public events. For more detailed information on Tania’s presentation topics or to book her for your next conference or special event please contact us. Information Presented by :- Tania De Jong AM Level 1, 10 Dorcas Street, South Melbourne Victoria, 3205 AUSTRALIA +61 (0)3 8679 6000 Email: info@creativeuniverse.com.au Web: www.creativeuniverse.com.au