Research and WRITING
Harvard Business Review—How to Be a Better Leader Amid Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity
Volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. They’re the reality of business today. But they’re not new. They’re intrinsic to markets, sales, manufacturing - and life in general. So why do some organizations respond better? How do they succeed when others struggle or even surrender?
Harvard Business Review - A Better Approach to After-Action Reviews
In the decades since the Army created the After Action Review (AAR), businesses have embraced the practice as a way of learning from both failure and success. But all too often the practice gets reduced to nothing more than a pro forma exercise. The authors of this article describe the history and philosophy of the original AAR, debunk three myths about the practice that impede its proper use, and, finally, suggest three improvements that can help business leaders make the most of it.
Harvard Business Review - 3 Exercises to Boost Your Team’s Creativity
Organizations today spend great sums of money on creativity training, hoping that it will spur innovative and entrepreneurial thinking among the ranks. Stop relying on the overrated power of randomness in fostering creativity, and instead to adopt a more method-driven approach. This article describes three new training techniques, which overturn the most common creativity practices employed by modern businesses.
Modern War Institute - The Commander's Path to Victory: Communication without Comms
In modern warfare, effective communication is crucial but often targeted by adversaries. This vulnerability requires that forces adapt swiftly when communications are disrupted. Commander's intent allows units to operate effectively even in blackout conditions by understanding and executing the overarching mission goals. Implementing this effectively has been challenging but essential for success. Our analysis and training methods, based on narrative cognition and practical exercises, aim to bridge this gap and enhance operational adaptability.
Military Review - Creating Strategic Problem Solvers
As military operations grow in complexity, leaders must evolve into strategic problem solvers, capable of re-imagining future conflicts. Creative leadership is crucial, and it starts with curiosity. Leaders must challenge assumptions and embrace a continuous quest for understanding. The key to navigating the dynamic modern battlefield lies in developing leaders who can think beyond conventional strategies and foster innovation through a deep understanding of their operating environment.
Journal of Creativity - Narrative creativity training: A new method for increasing resilience in elementary students
How narrative training developed with US Special Operations boosts self-efficacy and resilience in elementary students.
New York Academy of Sciences - A new method for training creativity: narrative as an alternative to divergent thinking
We outline a narrative theory of creativity training; illustrate with examples of training and assessment from our ongoing work with the U.S. Department of Defense, Fortune 50 companies, and graduate and professional schools; and explain how the theory can help fill prominent lacunae and gaps in existing creativity research, including the creativity of children, the psychological mechanisms of scientific and technological innovation, and the failure of computer artificial intelligence to replicate human creativity.
Chicago Booth Review - How to Lead Organizations through the COVID-19 Crisis
During the COVID-19 crisis, businesses face unprecedented challenges akin to military VUCA scenarios. This article offers a framework to help leaders secure operational continuity and prepare for future uncertainties, focusing on immediate safety, task management, and strategic decision-making to navigate the crisis and position their organizations for recovery and growth.