STIMULATING INNOVATIVE THINKING

Recent research shows that certain types of dialogue can spur technica l creativity. Coaching dialogues that support a scientist's autonomy w hile providing guidance are particularly effective for stimulating inn ovative thinking. Dialogues in which managers use language that demons trates respect for the scientist's thinking while attempting to expand it, enhance a scientist's critical sense of autonomy. Dialogues in wh ich managers balance their use of questioning and advising ensure need ed mutuality. Managers begin the dialogue approach by understanding th e thinking processes associated with innovation. They use this underst anding to selectively reinforce and guide those thoughts that can beco me precursors of innovation. They guide gingerly with questioning and advising skills as they become coaches of innovation.