Practicing strategy in an uncertain world

This approach also mitigates groupthink and conservatism by reducing bias, which in practice means that "people in power will be less likely to give you the benefit of the doubt if you're different. And you respond to that by being more cautious," says Ibarra. And, according to Columbia's McGrath, "the answers to whatever your puzzle is may come from very unexpected places -- it could be a person who normally doesn't have access to power." Make this a routine, not a special exercise. And communicate the strategy -- and the need for change specifically -- in a way that is positive and personal.