On the way into work this morning, I listened to NPR’s broadcast of Garrison Keillor’s The Writer’s Almanac program and his mention of Max Planck’s presentation on this day in 1900 that gave birth to quantum mechanics. Planck’s idea was that particles of light (and other subatomic particles) are “unpredictable by nature.”
Unpredictable by
nature…
The phrase just hit me as amazingly appropriate in light of the association bloggers’ recent discussions about innovation. Let’s have an Idea Swap (or call it whatever you like…a salon, maybe) for innovative ideas! I would like to attend a no holds barred sharing of ideas with members of the association community during which time we ventured to trade “what if” scenarios.
Does this sound like a waste of time? I will tell you why I say no.
It is a filling of the well. It is a celebration of the power each one of us has in our position for wherever we work. How can any of us complain about complacency in the industry when we do not actively seek out ways to overcome stagnation?
In the spirit of ASAE & the Center’s “Big Idea Month,” I say we create a group with the purpose of being “unpredictable by nature” in relation to the ideas we pursue. I am suggesting that the staff of the Acronym blog, all the other association bloggers, association managers, coordinators, and dare I suggest it, CEOs should come together for an open discussion about ways to transform the way we do things today in associations. We could use fishbowl conversation as a form of dialogue to allow for everyone to effectively participate.
Who’s in? I could host the first one…please comment and tell me if you are interested.
I like it alot KiKi. Perhaps we should have an unconference. Whatever we end up doing, let me know how I can help!
Posted by: twitter.com/pinnovation | December 14, 2009 at 07:16 AM
Absolutely! I just texted you to let you know I had posted this...an unconference would be excellent and your attendance would be vital!
Posted by: KiKi L'Italien | December 14, 2009 at 07:20 AM
Great post, KiKi. I would love to participate. I think I've become a little too Newtonian for my own good--that is, predictable by nature. ;)
Posted by: Christina Folz | December 14, 2009 at 07:21 AM
I am in. Fishbowl sounds like an in-person format, but I suppose with a small amount of IT work, it could be virtual as well.
Might be a good use case for Wave. Just need to convince someone to make a "fishbowl" plug-in. :)
Posted by: Swan | December 14, 2009 at 08:06 AM
I too would like to participate. Looking forward is key!
Posted by: Bill Cramer | December 14, 2009 at 08:23 AM
Lindy and I are in, of course. :)
Posted by: Maddie Grant | December 14, 2009 at 08:26 AM
Wow! This is great...I've also heard from some people on the ASAE listserv. The creativity in the room will be amazing.
Hooray!!!!
Posted by: KiKi L'Italien | December 14, 2009 at 08:35 AM
Fabulous opportunity to use Google Wave. I'm in!
Posted by: scott melnick | December 14, 2009 at 08:37 AM
Great idea - I'm in :)
Posted by: Cathi Eifert | December 14, 2009 at 09:27 AM
Hey KiKi!
I'm willing to play. Hope you'll have virtual access. Unless you make it when I'm in DC in January...
Posted by: Cynthia | December 14, 2009 at 09:38 AM
I'd definitely be interested, KiKi! It's a great idea, and I'm honored Big Idea month had a role in inspiring you. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help!
Posted by: Lisa Junker | December 14, 2009 at 11:37 AM
Sounds awesome! I'll be there virtually - Wave would be pretty nifty.
Posted by: Shannon Otto | December 14, 2009 at 11:50 AM
Well, this thing is definitely happening. Now, to figure out a time, place, and how to use technology to support it... :) I'm hyped up about this and the fact that so many of you are open to this experience!
Posted by: KiKi L'Italien | December 14, 2009 at 11:59 AM
I'm in. I've been wanting to do something like this for a while. Let me know how I can help.
Posted by: Shelly Alcorn, CAE | December 14, 2009 at 12:44 PM
Sound great...if you live in the DC area.
Once again, the rest of the association universe that does not live in DC is not allowed to play unless we pay, pay, pay (for flight, hotel, expenses....)
Yall have fun now.
Posted by: twitter.com/JeffHurt | December 14, 2009 at 01:53 PM
Deal me in!
Posted by: Kevin Corcoran | December 14, 2009 at 04:26 PM
Okay I'm in (natch!) and I'll be happy to host a convo via our ANEX (Assn Ex Networking Group of Suburb MD) in Columbia MD. We meet monthly to have out-of-the-box conversations.
Posted by: Peggy Hoffman | December 15, 2009 at 05:46 AM
Hey Jeff - understand the dilemma and while I'm in Maryland it can be a long way (and therefore expensive) to travel in so we started our own group - you should too :)
Posted by: Peggy Hoffman | December 15, 2009 at 05:48 AM
I'd love to participate--virtually if possible. I'm in Wisconsin, where we're also forming our own Innovation Task Force.
Posted by: Eric Lanke | December 15, 2009 at 11:13 AM
We're a quasi-association but I'd love to be involved, too!
Posted by: Lauren | December 15, 2009 at 12:15 PM
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