Thoughts in progress: creating a space for incubation

Posted by Stents on 22 February 2011 | 0 Comments
Tags: Challenge

Over the past two months, I have been working closely with iSee-iLearn and Beyond Blue in developing project and evaluation plans for Sharing Universal Stories of Depression. It has been an incredibly enriching experience working alongside such an insightful and reflective working group.

Listening and participating in the working group's discussions has got me thinking about the concept of incubation. What conditions do we need to successfully germinate and test an idea? And from what baseline do you then measure success?

Some of the reflections I have had so far are as follows:

Keep your feet on the ground. This is about not losing sight of the idea's origins by getting caught up too much in process or language - but be clear about it at the same time! Don't forget the conditions and experiences that led to the idea being conceived.

Don't fear collaboration. See people and organisations as resources. Immerse yourself with creative synergy. Allow others to mould and shape ideas. Promote horizontal leadership. Trust and openness propagate collaboration.

Reflective practice works! Not sure what else to say about this really, except to say that it has certainly unlocked many opportunities, discussions and ideas, has taken our thoughts to a whole new level, and supported the development of robust and reciprocal relationships between the working group.

As we continue our journey of finalising the project and evaluation plans, we'll post more blogs and discussions on the Bold Ideas Better Lives Challenge Workspace, so be sure to stay tuned over the coming weeks!