Monthly Archives: February 2009
NIBbles: Discussion of Peter Senge’s Book “The Necessary Revolution”
Peter Senge’s The Necessary Revolution: How Individuals and Organizations are Working Together to Create a Sustainable World articulates the importance of organizational learning and systems thinking in any field and helped me incorporate these concepts into my own management style. Over a discussion of his book sponsored by Net Impact Boston, NIB members from industries such as architecture, software, solar technology, investment and marketing, nonprofits and the public sector met Senge’s call to sustainability with enthusiasm.
Drawing from the theoretical framework for a sustainable organization and the case studies presented by Senge, the crux of our discussion focused on how to create change within our own organizations and networks. We found Senge’s advice on how to identify stakeholders or changemakers in each department, develop a plan for approaching senior management and pitch the idea to be valuable. Then we shared more specific strategies with each other, such as talking to human resources about which staff would be most receptive to the idea, researching what similar organizations have done to meet this challenge and what their results have been, and identifying local resources.
We agreed that it is easier to integrate sustainability into an organization’s vision when it is starting up. And being the entrepreneurial group that we are, a few start-up ideas were exchanged.
At one point in the discussion, someone asked, “How do you stimulate creative thought processes within an organization?” As I looked around the table at NIB members who exude both the passion for sustainability and the relational intelligence that Senge identifies as key leadership attributes, I couldn’t help but reflect that we didn’t have to look too far…
The most burning question I have for Peter Senge is: What role can an organization like Net Impact Boston play in advancing his vision of a sustainable world?
Mar 2: Microsoft’s Role as a Global Citizen
Date: Monday, March 2
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Microsoft’s offices at 1 Memorial Drive, Cambridge (11th Floor)
RSVP: asheen@netimpactboston.org
Akhtar Badshah, Microsoft’s Senior Director of Global Community Affairs, will host a meet-and-greet networking event with local individuals and organizations interested or involved in corporate citizenship. The invitation has been extended to NetImpact Boston members. Mr. Badshah will give a brief talk on Microsoft’s global community investment initiatives and answer questions from the audience. The event will conclude with networking time and refreshments.
Mr. Badshah is an internationally-recognized development expert, and oversees programs such as Microsoft Unlimited Potential, one of the company’s global initiatives to promote digital inclusion and increased access to technology skills training in underserved communities. You can read more about his background at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2004/mar04/03-18akhtarpr.mspx.
Due to space constraints, this event is limited to the first 75 people interested. This is an opportunity also to visit Microsoft’s New England Research & Development Center. Please note that Net Impact members will be given first preference if more than 75 people are interested in attending.
Please RSVP to asheen@netimpactboston.org if you would like to attend.
