9/27/2010

INTEGRATIVE THINKING: A CONSTRUCTIVE MINDSET


Integrative thinking is a discipline and methodology for solving complex or wicked problems. The theory was originated by Roger Martin, Dean of the Rotman School of Management, at The University of Toronto and collaboratively developed with his colleague Mihnea C. Moldoveanu, Director of the Desautels Centre for Integrative Thinking.

Definition

The Rotman School of Management defines integrative thinking as:
"...the ability to constructively face the tensions of opposing models, and instead of choosing one at the expense of the other, generating a creative resolution of the tension in the form of a new model that contains elements of the individual models, but is superior to each."
[1]

The website continues:

"Integrative thinkers build models rather than choose between them.
Their models include consideration of numerous variables — customers, employees, competitors, capabilities, cost structures, industry evolution, and regulatory environment — not just a subset of the above. Their models capture the complicated, multi-faceted and multidirectional causal relationships between the key variables in any problem. Integrative thinkers consider the problem as a whole, rather than breaking it down and farming out the parts. Finally, they creatively resolve tensions without making costly trade-offs, turning challenges into opportunities."

From Wikipedia
09/27/2010

9/03/2010

HOUSING BUBBLE THREAT RESURFACES AS PRICES IN MAJOR MARKETS HIT 30 YEAR HIGH.

TORONTO - Home sales may be slowing, but prices in six of Canada's largest housing markets are in bubble territory for the first time in 30 years — and a U.S.-style correction is still not out of the question, according to a report from an Ottawa-based think tank.

The report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, to be released Tuesday, says home prices now sit at 4.7 to 11.3 times Canadians’ annual income — much higher than historical comfort levels of between three and four times income.

"To see all of the (major) markets outside of that comfort zone is very unique and concerning," said David Macdonald, a research associate who authored the report entitled "Canada's Housing Bubble: An Accident Waiting To Happen."

Read entire article:

http://ca.news.finance.yahoo.com/print/s/31082010/2/biz-finance-housing-bubble-threat-resurfaces-prices-major-markets-hit.html

Sunny Freeman,

The Canadaian Press

August 31, 2010

WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP STRATEGY?


Linkedin, Twitter and Facebook are not a social media strategy. They are merely channels for your content and containers reflecting your presence. Your presence and content mean nothing to others unless you can add value to others.

Everyone seems to be pursuing social media strategies and many, if not all, call themselves a strategist. Most of the actions in the social space today are consumed with marketing and advertising using the same thinking with new technology. The essence of all things social is relational while the market uses all things social as institutional mediums for traditional marketing.

A relationship strategy differs from a marketing strategy in that it recognizes the long-term value of forming lasting relations, as opposed to most “Intrusion” marketing strategies. Old marketing strategies focus upon acquisition of new clients by targeting majority demographics based upon prospective target lists.


Read entire article:

http://ca.mc883.mail.yahoo.com/mc/welcome?.partner=rogers-acs&.gx=1&.tm=1283496691&.rand=9kj0ec684386d#_pg=showMessage;_ylc=X3oDMTBvZXBkczA1BF9TAzM5ODM4OTAyNwRhYwNtdkZsZE1zZw--&mid=1_507723_AOI1J9gAAD9KTIB9UwJznWYiEVc&fid=Inbox&sort=date&order=down&startMid=0&filterBy=&.rand=313171446&hash=e647a33c597cfb5339bd26dedd4ff480&.jsrand=6361787

Jay Deragon

The Relationship Economy

September 3,2010