Decisions bridge innovation and execution
I’m kicking back this afternoon watching the Masters tournament. I’ve already seen 4 or 5 commercials from IBM poking fun at an overemphasis on innovation techniques (talking) at the expense of execution (doing). I’m sure this rings true to anyone who has sat through one-too-many workshops on “out-of-the-box” thinking. However, I think it sets up a false dichotomy between innovation and execution, as if you can’t have your cake and eat it too.
Decisions form the bridge between innovation and execution. A well-framed decision provides an opportunity for relevant, efficient, highly-focused innovation (of alternatives). A good criteria pattern will help you carefully evaluate these alternatives, refining your understanding of the structure and behavior of each proposed solution. This enables the early identification of the consequences associated with the leading alternatives. These consequences (derived requirements, implementation tasks, risk mitigation actions) form the bridge between the decision and the project plan the “executes” it.
A good Decision Network (Thinking Breakdown Structure) is the best guarantee of a good Work Breakdown Structure behind your project plan. By focusing on decisions, you can excel at both innovation and execution.
Filed under: Decision Concepts | Tagged: decision, criteria, alternative, decision network, work breakdown structure, thinking breakdown structure, innovation, derived requirements, implementation, evaluation, execution, out-of-the-box thinking, task, risk mitigation, project plan
