Becoming a Driver and Contributor of Change

Change & AdaptationConfidence & Self-AwarenessAll employees≈ 20 min

Key skill: Creativity & innovation

Summary

Every idea that disrupts the status quo goes through three phases — ridiculous, dangerous, then obvious. Recognising this cycle helps managers and teams spot and champion innovative ideas instead of dismissing them too soon.

Target audience

Anyone looking to promote a model of collaboration that inspires and fosters boldness, agility and accountability

Learning objectives

Decode the 3 phases of transformative ideas according to Schopenhauer: ridiculous, dangerous, obvious.
Recognise a revolutionary idea despite its initial ridiculous appearance.
Foster a dynamic of creativity and innovation in teams by drawing on Bill Coughran's genius
Understand the value of an innovative idea and adopt it despite the mind's initial resistance.

Module outline

StorytellingThe odyssey of Bell Labs pioneers developing the first solar cell, illustrating the impact of resolute visionaries in the face of change
ArticlesThe genius of Bill Coughran (Google) · The 5 essential qualities of a creativity facilitator · Encouraging innovation and novel ideas
Expert videoHow change is perceived, and the three phases of an idea according to Idriss Aberkane: ridiculous, dangerous, then obvious
AnchoringQuiz and True/False to dig deeper into the topic and anchor what you've learned
Memo cardDownloadable coaching memo card: the key points from the expert video
CommitmentConcrete examples to help you define your own commitment
BonusA selection of videos to go further (TED, YouTube)

Models & methods

Three phases of an idea according to Aberkane (ridiculous, dangerous, obvious); Sufi metaphor of sorting the ruby from the mine.

Research-based

Three phases theorised by Idriss Aberkane; Schopenhauer's criterion; examples include Tesla vs. Edison and women's right to vote in France (1944).