Whether negative perceptions about your organization are accurate or not, they can get in the way of executing on your mission. In other words, misperceptions can be as damaging to your organization as are accurate, but negative, perceptions. As the old adage goes, perception is reality. As such, misperceptions must be taken seriously and often dealt with in the same way as accurate, negative perceptions.
As a society, we are so accustomed to being asked to find the right answer that we often don’t look beyond that answer. This can problematic when we develop strategy. In fact, it can be problematic anytime we are trying to solve a problem.
When developing strategy, it is imperative to think strategically. And, a key component of strategic thinking is creative thinking. Creative thinking is also vital when solving problems outside of the strategy development realm.
Successfully engaging in grand challenge strategy starts with CEO leadership and passion. But, it takes a team to identify a noble purpose that is a match for your organization and a village to develop a grand challenge strategy.
As the world continues to get smaller and association executives seek vehicles to ensure a future where their organizations thrive, the answer may lie, in part, in embracing a grand challenge initiative. Engaging in grand challenge strategy gives back to society and pays benefits to the association, yet so few associations take a leadership role in this area.
Addressing grand challenges can benefit your association, and deliver value to your members and the broader community. If your end goal is to deliver value, increase member engagement, increase retention and membership / customer growth, and elevate the prominence of your organization and industry / profession you represent, a grand challenge strategy might be the answer.
alex
Jane Garthson
Henrietta