Abstract:

Many organizations, especially those in complex, progressive fields, find themselves facing unexpected, ill-defined problems and challenges caused by changes in technology, economic forces, or other factors. Such complicated situations develop not only in the business world – school systems and universities also encounter these novel challenges that some experts are labeling “wicked problems”. How can an organization respond quickly and effectively to conditions that may resemble nothing from its past? How can it maintain a competitive edge? What special skills or insights would be useful? This presentation explores how leaders, managers – all levels of employees – can deal with a shifting landscape by developing “adaptive expertise.” In this session we will examine adaptive expertise in terms of organizational culture and learning, psychological safety, habits of thinking, and the “growth mindset” needed for risk-taking and problem solving in the 21st century workplace. And as educators we will discuss how to integrate principles of the growth mindset and adaptive expertise in our curricula and in our daily interactions with colleagues and students

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