Now-to-New is a term I came up with in the 1990s to signify a shift from the present situation (Now) to what’s needed instead (New).
There are seven kinds of now-to-new work, which are neither mutually exclusive nor collectively exhaustive:
- Creating
- Problem solving
- Changing
- Surmounting
- Responding
- Developing
- Realising potential
Creating
Bringing something new into being: a product, service, enterprise, work practice, anything.
Now: There is a need, desire or opportunity to create something that will generate extensive or exceptional value.
New: The new creation exists and is generating the imagined value.
Problem solving
Solving a problem means restoring (and perhaps increasing) value generation capability.Problem-solving is taking actions to have something go away: the problem. While problem-solving has its place, as a persistent approach, it limits accomplishment. The elimination of a problem does not mean that the desired result can be created. As distinguished, solving a problem does not by design lead to a creation. Creating is taking action to bring into being that which does not yet exist: the desired outcome.
Robert Fritz, author of The Path of Least Resistance, in Corporate Tides: The Inescapable Laws of Organizational Structure | Wikipedia — Robert Fritz | Robert Fritz website
Value generation capability The means available to an individual, group or enterprise for generating value or creating that which generates value.
Value generation potential The maximum amount of value a value generator (product, service, facility, event, establishment, artistic work etc.) or meta generator (an enterprise for example), could be generating, given favourable conditions.
Potential is the what (the possible future yield) and capability is the how (people, equipment, money etc.).
Now: Value generation capability has been impaired; anti-value is being generated.
New: Value generation capability has been restored and increased; anti-value generation has been halted.
Changing
Shifting from the current state of affairs to the desired state.
Now: A different state of affairs is desired.
New: The desired state of affairs prevails.
Surmounting
Overcoming a looming, overwhelming or seemingly impossible challenge.
Now: There is a need, desire or opportunity to surmount a tough challenge.
New: The challenge has been surmounted.
Responding
Responding to a request or demand.
Now: A request has been received.
New: The request has been fulfilled.
Developing
Increasing value generation capability or value generation potential.
Now: Value generation capability is not at the required level.
New: Value generation capability is at the required level.
Realising potential
Utilising value generation capability or realising value generation potential.
Now: Value generation potential is not being fully realised.
New: Value generation potential is being fully realised.
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