“Too often, we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought.” – JFK
“Everyone can be innovative so long as they know the process,” said MBA Core professor Daniel Skarlicki.
Teaching that process is what the d.studio component of Sauder’s MBA program is all about.
MBA students participated in Experience Point/IDEO’s Design Thinker simulation on their first day, an experience that gave them a common language to discuss innovation. “It gives the students, a framework, an understanding,” Skarlicki said. “They know that we’re looking for insights.”
Organizational behavior is where Skarlicki’s expertise lies. Design thinking not only applies perfectly to the modules he teaches, such as ‘How teams can be more creative,’ but it also has helped integrate the teachings of all of the MBA core professors.
“We are all using similar language,” he said regarding each professor’s new method of asking for observations, followed by insights, no matter what subject matter is being studied.
Students have responded positively to the initiative. On top of that, their work has shown a “marked improvement,” which Skarlicki attributes in part to the adoption of the design thinking process.
“Design thinking really forces our students to think,” he said
And thoughtful decision-making doesn’t just apply to schoolwork – deeper analysis by students will translate into better performance in the workplace.
“If you’ve got a student who really understands the process, when they begin their career they can really help organizations be innovative and add more value.”