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Throw a Switch. Go off the Rails.

  • Writer: Deborah (Ellen) Wildish
    Deborah (Ellen) Wildish
  • Feb 22, 2022
  • 2 min read

Updated: Apr 6


Throw a Switch Go off the Rails

For the purposes of this article, "off-the-rails" will be defined as behaving in a way that is generally unacceptable or abnormal (excluding dishonesty or illegal actions). Look at the photo and prepare to board the train, as we begin our journey to a disruptive strategy.


Public and private sector Corporations have quickly adopted an innovation strategy (to reduce costs and increase quality of services and products) that focuses on incremental improvements - continuous quality (process) improvement. Initiatives are frequently tied to information technology to improve efficiency, documentation and reporting.


While continuous quality (process) improvement is advantageous, it also has drawbacks. Attention to process scrutinizes what currently exists; rather, than welcoming more radical changes or starting from scratch. Another imminent risk is that when processes are perfected over time, additional efficiencies and cost savings will diminish.


Continuous quality (process) improvement cannot solve complex challenges faced by Corporations and government (e.g. budget deficit projections into future years), or the health care crisis. More robust solutions are required - major innovation - this entails a paradigm shift in thinking and action.


Imagine yourself as a train conductor who throws a switch and deliberately derails the train. The intention is not destruction, rather disruption. The way forward ventures into unknown territory, where the track has not yet been laid.


Innovation research in organizations has described the journey as rough, uncomfortable and a test of leadership tolerance for risk, ambiguity, failure and resilience. Major innovation and maximum gain cannot be found travelling along a straight track system. A disruption is required, challenging conventional processes and the way things have always been done. Unacceptable? Abnormal? Successful major innovation is enabled through a healthy corporate culture. The journey involves discovery and the generation of more novel ideas and innovative solutions that address complex challenges.


“Throw a switch, go off the rails”. Is your Corporation ready to venture into unknown territory?

Cinder to Flame helps Corporations solve complex challenges with strategic services that energize people, fuel a healthy corporate culture and ignite major innovation.

Obtain your free ticket to get the conversation started: https://www.cindertoflame.ca/contact


© Deborah (Ellen) Wildish, Cinder to Flame 2022-Present. All Rights Reserved.


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