SNCO DLC: Adaption Innovation Theory

Terms in this set (22)

What is the Al Theory?
His theory suggests that problem solving and creativity are both outcomes of the same brain function...think of creativity as a component of problem solving.
Creativity as it relates to Al Theory?
Involves problem solving, decision-making,
and ideas for change. When accomplishing these actions, everyone 'creates' ideas/solutions; therefore, everyone is creative.
Cognitive Level as it relates to Al Theory?
is a measure of your cognitive capacity. Or, put another way, it's a measurement (high/low) of how much knowledge you have about a particular
topic. This 'level' of knowledge could be attained in many different ways...education/training, experience gained in positions you've held (NCOIC, supervisor, etc.), or just plain natural talent. The key thing to remember about cognitive level is that it's about
how much you know.
cognitive style preference
Your manner of solving problems, making decisions, and bringing about change. THE WAY YOU THINK.
adaptive style learning/leading?
represents a method/preference of problem solving that's more structured and methodical.
Innovative style learning/leading
represents a method/preference of problem solving that's less concerned with structure and details. Creativity is exercised 'outside the box'. Someone
that prefers this style usually breaks (or goes against) the current organizational paradigm when coming up with ideas.
What does Dr. Kirton refer to as the "paradox of Structure."?
How structure is both limiting and enabling at the same time.
As an Airman, your dress and appearance is regulated
by AFI 36-2903. This structure (what you can and can't
wear/do) is enabling because it ensures every Airman's
appearance falls within certain standards...regardless
of rank, location, AFSC, or individual preference. So,
walking around with your ABU top unbuttoned is a violation at your base and everywhere else in the Air Force. These standards/structure 'enable' our force to present a professional image to the community. However, the same standards/structure can also be seen as limiting.
The same dress and appearance 'structure' that enables all Airmen to present a professional image also limits your expression of individuality...the paradox of structure.
What is the first principal you should understand about "Al Theory."?
1. When problems solving, we're limited by the way we're built/cognitively "hard wired." how individuals solve problems and their cognitive style.
Al Theory Addresses 2 distinct styles of problem solving:
Adaptive and innovative.
what do adaptive style problem solving rely on?
structure and rules.They may follow a logical, orderly process... trying to improve or modify the current paradigm to create a solution.
what do innovative style problem solving rely on?
Those who prefer an innovative style don't need the same type of structure. When faced with a problem to solve, they may decide that it would be easier to break the current rules/paradigm to create a solution.
what's the 2nd principal of Al Theory?
2. We're all intelligent and creative at different levels and with different styles. Everyone possesses knowledge...just at different levels. Even though TSgt Keele's cognitive level is higher than MSgt Green's, Green still possesses knowledge (or can develop it) in order to help solve the fitness problem.
what's the 3rd principal of Al Theory?
3. We must be able to manage the diversity that stems from our people's differences.
Adaptive individuals can be described as?
precise, reliable, efficient, disciplined, detail oriented, creative refiners, good at improving existing systems, Inflexible and intolerant of ambiguity.
innovative individuals can be described as?
unconventional, mold breakers, spontaneous, accepting of change, pioneering creators, good at changing existing systems, risky and abrasive.
SMSgt Johnson calls TSgt Hunt into her office and says, "I'm forming a team to solve a high visibility
issue and I think you'd be a perfect fit. Due to the nature of the problem, your ability to analyze
facts and work through them in a systematic fashion is exactly what the team needs. Even though
I already have a few people that are experts on the issue, I think your way of looking at things can
help keep us focused on the goal. I hope you'll agree to participate."
SMSgt Johnson's comments BEST identify the ________________ of TSgt Hunt?
a. creativity
b. more innovative tendencies
c. problem solving level
d. more adaptive tendencies
d. more adaptive tendencies
2. While working on a team project, SMSgt White (a more adaptive individual) says, "At this point, we
can't seem to agree on a solution. Some of you want to connect with peers to see if there's something
other units have been using that's proven to be successful, while others want to use this as an
opportunity to develop something new and transformational. However, I agree that we should see
what the other units are doing and use what's already been working. I believe that will lead to a
better solution." Some people are glad and ready to move forward...some are disappointed and feel
like a team compromise could've been reached with a little more time and effort.
Because SMSgt White __________, his comments will MOST likely _________ mission effectiveness.
a. misunderstands management of the cognitive gap; hinder
b. understands the management of the cognitive gap; enhance
c. misunderstands coping behavior; hinder
d. understands coping behavior; enhance
A. CORRECT. SMSgt White's comments indicate that he does not understand management of the
cognitive gap. According to the AI Theory chapter, optimal problem solving results from both
adaptive...see if there's something other units have been using that's proven successful) and
innovative (...use this as an opportunity to develop something transformational) people working
on the problem together because it brings all sides (perspectives) of a problem to light. By
agreeing with the more adaptive solution, SMSgt White is making a decision based on his own
preference instead of considering the idea of others that don't share his preference. Therefore,
he doesn't manage the cognitive gap that exists between the more adaptive and more
innovative team members. Because SMSgt White misunderstands management of the cognitive
gap, his comments will MOST likely hinder mission effectiveness.
3. SMSgt Wilson calls TSgt Lanier into his office and says, "I heard you're having an issue with two
Airmen on your team. One wants to do things strictly by the book, while the other thinks the 'book'
is too restrictive and should be thrown away. As the leader, you need to fill the gap between them
so they can get past their individual perspectives. Maybe then, they'll focus on the team's problem.
This might be a little difficult for you at first, since both Airmen are strong-minded. However, the
more you practice this skill, the better you'll eventually get at it."
SMSgt Wilson's comments BEST identify:
a. the role of the bridger.
b. coping behaviors.
c. the cost of coping.
a. CORRECT. SMSgt Wilson's comments identify the role of the bridger. A bridger is a social role that ideally has a cognitive preference (style) between those to be bridged. It is a learned skill that requires human relation skills. This is evident in SMSgt Wilson's
comments when he says, "As the leader, you need to fill the gap between them so they can get past their individual perspectives....This might be a little difficult for you at first... However, the more you practice this skill, the better you'll eventually get at it."
4. While working on a team project, TSgt White asks, "Why are we not making any progress on the
project? We're all focused on the topic; however, it seems like we can't agree on the way forward.
We might need someone to help us channel this gap." SMSgt Browning replies, "Sometimes it
depends on the other team members' perspective which makes it hard to make progress."
SMSgt Browning's comments BEST illustrate his understanding of _________ and its impact on mission
effectiveness.
a. coping behavior
b. bridgers
c. problem A
d. problem B
d. CORRECT. SMSgt Browning's comments BEST illustrate his understanding of problem B. Problem
B is the automatically inherited problem of managing differences among team members. SMSgt Browning's comments best illustrate his understanding of problem B by his words, "Sometimes it depends on the other team members' perspectives which makes it hard to
make progress."
5. One of the intelligence analysts, TSgt Webster, says, "I'm not sure I can handle the stress of doing
this much longer. A lot of critical positions are at stake down range." SMSgt Smith responds, "I'm
only going to ask you to do this for a little while longer...only while lives are at stake. Then we'll get
back to a normal pace."
Because SMSgt Smith __________, his comments will MOST likely _________ mission effectiveness.
a. understands problem B; enhance
b. misunderstands problem B; hinder
c. understands coping behavior; enhance
d. misunderstands coping behavior; hinder
c. CORRECT. Because SMSgt Smith understands coping behavior, his comments will MOST likely
enhance the mission. Effective leaders create environments where they only ask for minimum
coping behavior most of the time and only have to ask for maximum coping behavior in times
of crisis. It is evident that SMSgt Smith understands this by his comments "I'm only going to
ask you to do this for a little while longer...only while lives are at stake. Then we'll get back to
a normal pace." Understanding coping behavior will help you accomplish your mission."
Coping Behavior
Doing whatever you need to do to get the job done; would be considered Coping behavior. Effective leaders create environments where they only ask for minimum coping behavior most for the time and only have to ask for maximum coping behavior in times of crisis.
Tools you can use to "help bridge the gap."
social roll that requires: Human relations skills, Acceptance by those with cognitive gaps, a willingness to fulfill the role.
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