Challenge Characteristics
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BDAL seeks change in the business and change in the individual. Through participation in Learning Sets and Business Challenge Teams, individuals address individual, team, and organizational development needs.
Business challenges originate with and are sponsored by senior leadership. The complex nature of the business challenges, create an environment where participants existing mental models are challenged and new knowledge is incorporated. The real-world experience builds individual, team, and organizational capabilities.
Business challenges are complex issues without a clear and obvious solution that force senior leaders to question pre-existing values, beliefs and assumptions. By nature of their complexity, business challenges are usually strategic in nature.
Business Challenge Attributes
Appropriate
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Inappropriate
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Problems for which no one knows the solution
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Problems for which regular problem-solving techniques would find an acceptable answer
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Problems that could have an impact on your business results
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Problems that are immaterial to business results in the short term
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Problems no one know how to solve, but about which many people my have an opinion
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Problems described by a clear and simple problem statement
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Problems where there is no obvious right or wrong way to proceed
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Problems where the degree of uncertainty associated with the problem is limited
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Problems that present many potential ways forward
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Are where the root causes of the problem are known or discoverable
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Problems where inaction is not an option and resistance to change is probable
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Problems that can be solved through systematic analysis
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Problems originating from disruptive change in the marketplace
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Problems where previous experience and practice have been successful
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Problems that threaten the existing business model
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Problems that can be objectively evaluated
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Examples of Business Challenges
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Challenge:
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How to stimulate innovation
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Appropriate for BDAL?
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Yes.
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Why?
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- Involves multiple stakeholders and processes that interact together
- No right solution
- Could have impact on larger business initiatives
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Challenge:
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How to reduce reduce production costs
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Appropriate for BDAL?
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No.
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Why?
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- Could be solved with regular problem-solving techniques
- Low degree of uncertainty
- Can be objectively evaluated
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Personal Challenges – are daily dilemmas, problems or seemingly unresolvable matters especially around leadership and management behaviors in situations characterized by:
- High levels of internal and external conflict
- Constrained resources
- Rapidly changing labor market
- Rapidly changing technology
Personal Challenge Attributes
Appropriate
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Inappropriate
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Developing skills in leading change
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Single discipline training
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Developing skills in conflict resolution
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Learning specific processes
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Developing skills in strategy execution
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Job rotations
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Developing skills in managing risk
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Learning how to improve quality
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Developing skills in communicating vision
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Gaining experience in sales
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Developing skills in managing mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures
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Pursuing a degree
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Examples of Personal Challenges
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Challenge:
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How to weigh alternatives and prioritize
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Appropriate for BDAL?
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Yes.
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Why?
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- Could lead to leading change
- Has elements of strategic execution
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Challenge:
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How to conduct better meetings
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Appropriate for BDAL?
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No.
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Why?
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- Is not complex
- Does not extend to others outside of assigned area
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Business Challenges Quiz
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Before continuing, let's verify that you understand what types of challenges are best for BDAL. Examine the 7 challenges below and choose the 4 challenges that are most appropriate to tackle with BDAL. Check your answers with the feedback given.
Now that you understand challenges, you can see if BDAL is right for the Organizational Culture