Talk: Forcing Functions for Metamodern Teams
Speakers directory
Speaker:
Simon Bostock
Talk description
Title:
Forcing Functions for Metamodern Teams
Short synopsis:
When faced with a stark choice between polar opposites -- between white or black, strategic or tactical -- there's a temptation to express a view that 'it depends' or 'the truth is somewhere in between'. But what if the default answer, given such dilemmas or simplistic choices, is 'probably both'? (Spoiler: this talk argues that the norm is much closer to 'both' than 'somewhere in between'.) How can teams use forcing functions to focus on 'the work' rather than the meta-work of discussing methodologies and approaches.
Max size: 500 chars
Long synopsis (optional):
Metamodernism is a recently popular philosophy that seeks to go beyond simple yes/no binary answers and engage with the complexity and pluralism of the world. So far, so abstract. One of the principles of metamodernism is an embrace of pluralism and diversity, and an argument that the choice of 'either/or' is usually misleading, unhelpful or false. This talk takes this (very briefly) as a starting point and looks at how teams can operationalise (ie make routine) multiple perspectives, viewpoints and approaches using so-called 'forcing functions' (ie tools and techniques) designed to radically shift attention and approach to better express the variety the world demands. Examples include looking at how 'buzzwords', 'toolism' and some of the out-of-fashion approaches can be harnessed to positive effect. And how clear leadership is both essential for effective teams, and best deployed as a diffuse function across entire teams. Being 'opinionated' is necessary to be effective and avoid the temptations of analysis paralysis. But being opinionated is almost always a bit of a hack. How can you better avoid the debt and the unnecessary complexity that comes with hacking your way through the various trials and changing environments the world offers?
Max size: 5000 chars
Tags:
Speaker directory:
Listed in directory
Not listed
Speakers directory