Themes from the Pilot Think Tank

Think tank reflections

The following are a few of the common themes Duncan Holmes recalls hearing over the 25 hours of the think tank. There were no decisions made during the think tank but some of these themes come quite close to stating a consensus, from his perspective. Some of these are also his own thoughts.

ICA-USA as we have known it ihas changed
o The bridges to the past mode of operating have been destroyed.
o Use resources to support the energy that is present and active in the far flung networks
o Support the process through various means

What is the new business strategy and mode of operating that ICA-USA is in?
o Mission has not changed
o Approach is different
o Once the approach is clarified – put all the resources into that focus/approach and stop doing anything that does not fit that approach.
o License groups to carry out the work that is embodied in the intellectual property
o Build the partnerships to carry out that work
o Put in place the agreements that are win-win
o Create the signs of seriousness about operating in a new way.

New Approach/ operating mode/ business strategy
No Direct Service Delivery
o Not competing with those who are delivering program using ICA methods/ intellectual property
o Everything done in collaboration or partnerships
o Keeps staff focused on networks and collaboration

Collaboration
o Everything done in collaboration

New structural form
o Non competitive
o Help set agenda
o Shifts focus from program delivery
o Decreases staffing
o Encourages collaborations
o What is your business? Collaboration; supporting others who are on the front lines doing the work; pulling together the research that adds credibility to the work being done – includes publishing

Research
o Archives provides longitudinal study information for questions that are being asked today e.g. collaboration
o Gather those interested in research – ask what research for what reason – today’s question not yesterday’s
o Put together the criteria for evaluating research projects
o All research grant applications are done collaboratively these days – several different groups/organizations – Often includes an educational institution as a partner
o Funding is more frequently given to collaborations rather than a single agent

Be easy on each other
o Tone down
o Talk carefully and collegially with Board, colleagues, etc.
o Think through the outcomes together
o Watch for those who do not engage in the conversation

Don’t try to push a story - let it emerge.
o Pushing hard makes people back off

-- ICA-USA