The Innovation Code

• The innovation Code: The Creative Power of Constructive Conflict by Jeff DeGraff on Amazon

Learning more about "The Creative Power of Constructive Conflict" from The Innovation Code has been even more helpful than I'd imagined. Is your work style and mode of interaction usually artist, engineer, athlete, or sage? What does your company or organization require at this point? Do you recognize colleagues' and coworkers' strengths and weaknesses (I know, that hackneyed terminology)?

I ordered this book because it sounded just right for any small for-profit or not-for-profit entity. I mainly had churches in mind, but I hoped my future work and board membership in other non-profits would benefit. The book's case studies dynamically demonstrate how an organization needs a particular type of worldview and action at life stages that may include startup, stagnation, decline, and revitalization. As individuals who also possess a dominant style, we each have traits of others we can summon into our own situation(s) when necessary.

The online version of Let's Find Your Dominant Worldview didn't load the times I tried, but according to the 9-question quiz on pages 24-26 in the book I'm equal parts artist and athlete—as I'd have guessed. However, the wise sage in me strongly tends not to flaunt my artistic abilities or push ahead with my athlete's desire to succeed and excel. Sometimes to the extent I don't get to contribute or participate. Engineer? Not my default response, but I can see that aspect when I drive myself and maybe others bit crazy with what I call "the technical truth." Am I down to my final $10 in cash? No, that would be a lie, because I have only $9.54 in my wallet right now. I also notice the engineer when I digitize my analog art and go for unnecessary detail instead of claiming the literal big picture to create a pleasing presentation.

I highly recommend you get this book and share it with others!

• My Amazon Review: buy this book and try this book!