Chapters four through seven begin exploring what it is that does separate high level performers from others. These next chapters further break down the concept of deliberate practice and provide real-world examples of its application.

Energy harvesting.

On October 29, 2009 Katy Simon, County Manager, Washoe County, Nevada shared with Alliance members her thoughts and ideas on encouraging innovation in local government. During this 60-minute webinar she defined innovation, discussed the manager’s role in innovation, identified successful leadership characteristics, debunked myths surrounding innovation, and summarized results from a recent Alliance for Innovation survey on innovation.

It is the concept of deliberate practice that seemingly separates superior performers from average ones. The final four chapters explore the application of the principles of great performance organizationally and examine the roles of innovation, age and passion in the pursuit of excellence.

We like to believe that we can plan for a desired future, but the reality is that we live in a complex world where many things are out of our control. I do not believe in traditional strategic planning as the means to overcome that uncertainty. I instead believe that scenario planning is the best way to realistically develop contingencies for likely futures. We have to be adaptive and organic and this mind set is in part necessary to be innovative.

"People make innovation happen through their imagination, willpower, and perseverance. And whether you are a team member, a group leader, or an executive, your only real path to innovation is through people.” Tom Kelley