Innovating From the Inside Out Surviving a Bear Market

Alexis Dixon, Principal of Meditation Solutions International is a Harvard trained mediator who works with corporations in harnessing the frequently volatile energy of conflict, an inevitable component of change. He has seen that when conflict is managed effectively it becomes the driving force of innovation. When the focus is on the individual or team's position and their need to defend it to the death is abandoned it gives way to a broader narrative, the collective interest of the corporate mission. This allows movement from the individual to the team. In the realm of innovation for corporate culture to perform at the level of excellence there is no space for an us versus them mentality. In an ever-changing global economy, it is clear that conflict can no longer be a destructive and wasteful force within corporate culture but, on the contrary, it must be the foundation on which multi-cultured multi-talented teams are built.

Marcy Morrison, Founder of Careers with Wings is a published career author and sought after career expert in the media. Marcy establishes a framework for professionals to approach their work with a renewed passion for the company's vision. Working on the frontlines of the economic downturn, she manages layoffs and coaches professionals in their career transition. Understanding this is a challenging time for both individuals and corporations, Marcy discovers opportunity in the chaos. In working with professionals, she creates dynamic and innovative approaches to explore what they are passionate about while discovering a career they love. For corporations, she knows the opportunity at hand is to innovate in ways that connects teams emotionally to their mission and vision. When teams are passionate about their work morale soars and individuals perform at a high level of excellence.

Combining their talents, Alexis and Marcy work with organizations in managing divergent points of views to strengthen communication and reignite a company-wide passion for the corporation's mission. Ultimately, when communication within a company's culture is open and seamless, individuals become clear about the importance of their role and contribution in realizing the company's bottom line. This results in greater team effectiveness and productivity. When change and conflict are treated as friends, innovation and an observable passion for one's work usually comes along for the ride. These attitudes and commitment to the workplace cannot be bought but rather must be a core value prized by all innovative entity.

Thus, through Alexis and Marcy's work with CEO's and their executive teams it became evident that maximizing an organization's efficiency requires laterally implementation of (1) an effective authentic communication system that manages different points of view, and, (2) a high level of passion within the corporate teams' structure that heightens morale and innovative collaboration. The two aforementioned approaches must be within the construct of the corporate mission.

It is both exciting and profitable when individuals are working at a level of excellence that benefits them, as professionals, while heightening morale and the bottom line. Corporations that promote a culture where teams can realize their passion through work and implement communication systems that manage different points of views in its approaches to innovation are cutting edge institutions with high corporate morale. It is a win for the professional and the corporation. As a result, leadership and division teams begin to optimize the organization's resources and skill sets in order to achieve synergistic outcomes; a result of effective authentic communication and renewed passion for the organization's mission. When professionals and organizations view passion and authentic communication as the bedrock, the essential elements, of their organization -- then innovation from the inside out can take place. With this approach, success can be met even in a bear market and ever-changing economy.