Intentional Learning – Designing a Better Future

In an organisational sense, Design Thinking has also been applied to build multi-facetted prosperity in the corporate sector. Rigorous systemic analysis, leadership and social intelligence, and applied innovation tools provide insights that can assist to: maximise effectiveness and efficiency; empower individuals, teams, and organisations to achieve exceptional outcomes; and create new value propositions to service emerging markets in a perpetually changing world.

 In a similar way, as designers, we are well equipped to imagine, create and actualise our own best future for ourselves, our teams and organisations. We are also uniquely positioned to coach and assist best holistic outcomes for clients and other strategic partners, in addition to conventional architectural end users.

 In the case of our our own ongoing professional development, Design Thinking finds expression as conscious Intentional Learning; learning that is designed and structured to nurture and support strategic outcomes for ourselves, the groups within which we work, and the client groups and stakeholders which together we serve.

 Intentional Learning begins with a series of significant questions:

 Where are we going? and why? and why does that matter? … to me? and to us?

Who are my current and traditional clients? and what is their business and how can I assist?

Who are my strategic partners and supporters? and what are their goals and aspirations?

Who are the like minded clients, consultants, and other talented co-collaborators that I would now choose to partner with into a consciously directed future?

What are the unique talents and passions of my teammates, and how might we create opportunities to empower and grow their intrinsic potential, for themselves, for the group, and for those we serve together?

 These and other significant questions, assist us to co-create meaning with, through and for our teams. They assist us to clarify and articulate our joint vision and organisational future legacy; and they permit us to serve effectively, efficiently and reliably whilst maintaining the necessary responsiveness and adaptability to serve the emergent needs of a constantly evolving market place.

 We as professionals may or many not have traditionally made a significant investment in our own personal, professional and organisational development.  Within the context of radical future change and currently emerging global challenges and opportunities, our ongoing professional development will continue to grow in significance and relevance. The implementation of mandatory Continuing Professional Devleopment by a host of Australian registration boards is a reflection and indicator of this inescapable truth.

Planning a process of “Intentional” Life Long Learning allows us to take control of our future now.

 With CPD being mandatory for many architects, the investment is now already made.  Intentional Learning allows us to strategically leverage this investment to maximise business outcomes, add to our bottom line, build stronger teams and partnerships, and become a more effective leader and coach of our collaborative future; all through proven reflective learning strategies.

 If you’d like to learn more about contributing and/or receiving meaningful CPD, and how to leverage your future learning potential, we’d love to her from you. Call us now to schedule your initial complimentary consultation, or to arrange a Formal CPD presentation on “Intentional Learning” for your Team.

With Gratitude

Editor’s note: Peter Wolff is a regular contributor to ESD. He is a professional development educator, QUT sessional academic, practicing architect, leadership and innovation coach, and Director of Evolve Collaborative.