Facilitating Genius: Illuminating Brilliance in Your Organization. John Lesko

pass through the so-called “groan zone” before viable solutions emerge. True wisdom makes itself known over time and only after the hard work is done.

      In my practice as a facilitator and leadership coach, I have grown to believe that there are several “aha!” moments uncovered during the group problem-solving process. And where an individual may not yell out “Eureka!” when that proverbial lightbulb is lit, I do believe that there is genius in all organizations just waiting to be released.

      My application of the lessons, question sets, and problem-solving techniques found in this book have evolved. This book is over ten years in the making. I have presented many of the ideas found here in various workshops and seminars. My clients have “consulted” with many of the geniuses found in this book and have discovered or rediscovered their own gifts and talents along the way.

      Others have written extensively about the question, “What is genius?” This book is NOT another dissertation on genius. Rather, it is meant to be a practical guide on identifying and harnessing the genius that is in the room. It is written in the spirit of discovery, suggesting that we maintain our curiosity, and that we try to learn something useful in our daily problem-solving.

      The problem-solving techniques outlined in this book are based on the work of many others. I have tried my best to give credit where credit is due. Where possible I have shared links to my sources, cited my references, offered suggestions for where one might learn more, and supplied photo credits when and where they are available. That said, much of the text contains paraphrases from several works. You will also find throughout this book samples of my art. Some illustrations are composite images with dialog bubbles added to make a point or attempt a joke. And you will find a number of my doodles too.

      You will find an extensive bibliography in the back of this book. At one time or another, I have cracked open each of these books. Many I own and they rest on the shelves of my personal library. Others you will find at a good public library.

      This book is intended to be a practical guide for leaders, executives, project managers, facilitators, and coaches on the art and science of creative problem-solving. Designed for use by individuals, small groups, and teams; this book helps you when you are wrestling with both simple and so-called “wicked problems.”

      When I call a problem wicked, I am not using a New England vernacular. Rather, wicked problems are difficult or impossible to solve. Their “wickedness” does not (necessarily) denote evil. But as used here, it denotes that such a problem is resistant to being resolved. Wicked problems are stubborn. They have staying power. And to solve or at least tame one requires persistence. Wicked problems exist because of incomplete, contradictory, and changing requirements that are often difficult to recognize. Wicked problems consist of many moving parts. And because of the interdependencies between these parts, the effort to simplify or solve one aspect of a wicked problem may reveal or create another problem.

      As you read this book, I suggest that you dive into the case studies. While thinking through each case study, know that there is no single right answer or “school solution.” Follow the techniques outlined in this book and you should at least find yourself becoming more comfortable when faced with a wicked problem.

      An alternative strategy for using this book is to read it piecemeal. Scan the theory. Orient yourself to the structure and categories of the bio-sketches. Then tap into the genius profiles and questions on an as needed basis. When a new problem arrises, open the book to another spot and call upon the intelligence of a “new consultant.” In other words, seek a second opinion by entertaining a new genius’ point of view.

      Feel free to jump to the end of each of the eight sections. There you will find a worksheet tailored to that particular style of thinking. NOTE: These are the pages which have been purposely rotated 90- degrees to facilitate their printing. Copy and distribute these worksheets to your heart’s content. Please do copy these worksheets keeping the copyright notation intact. Yes, I am encouraging you to spread the word.

      Be the genius spirit that blows like the wind over the Earth. Share your gifts with others. Help others discover their gifts. Inspire the best in others, first by discovering your own talents, and then by helping others find their strengths.

      Work through the numerous question sets which follow each biographical sketch and you may discover new learning. Reverse engineer a problem, assist a group with their problem-solving needs, think like a genius, and perhaps one day others may call you a facilitating genius.