In my clinical practice this week, I met a patient with whom I discussed this idea: he was a senior administrator in an academic institution, highly accomplished, well respected, and yet quite miserable at work and at home, feeling trapped.
It made me think back to Design Thinking principles, and creative approaches to hard problems.
Having been to the Design Thinking for Social Systems short course at Stanford, I’ve been working to apply this thinking at work and at home. I posted last year on my enthusiasm for design thinking as a process and approach to creativity and innovation. I came across Bill Burnett’s online video which prompted me to dive back into the material again.
A couple of books to recommend.
Designing your life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans. More about applying design thinking principles to your life.
Bill also gives an overview in his great Stanford TEDx talk.
Creative Confidence by David and Tom Kelly. A history and principles of design thinking by some of the originators
Designing for Growth by Jeanne Liedtka and Tim Ogilvie. A practical book for application of design thinking. See also the Field Guide.
It made me think of myself, my work, my home, and how “designing your life” might be an exercise we could all apply with immense benefit. Join me?
CMIO’s take: What are you waiting for?
