Performance character

While uncertainty may be uncomfortable, rather than pushing it away or trying to quickly resolve it, Principled Innovators look for the possibilities that can open up as a result. We can think of uncertainty as a state of healthy disequilibrium which invites new data and collaborative input and which triggers open-mindedness, perspective-taking and creativity. Viewed in this way, uncertainty can result in better-informed decisions and more robust, creative solutions that take into consideration a range of potential outcomes.

To maximize the possibility that innovation will happen as intended, we investigate past precedents and analyze data, combining it with the understanding of culture, context and systems that emerges from these Civic and Intellectual practices. Building on this foundation, we are better prepared to plan for a range of possibilities and outcomes. Drawing on the Performance assets of resilience, courage, inclusivity and collaboration, Principled Innovators incorporate stakeholders’ participatory, democratic engagement into the planning process, discussing the possible futures openly with those who may be impacted by the change and seeking feedback on iterative prototyping before any large-scale implementation. And, as plans are put into motion, Principled Innovators help manage undesired outcomes and improve the final product by monitoring implementations closely and working with community members to address problems as they arise.