Steve Boehlke

Athlete, Blogger, Change Agent, Connector, Consultant, Explorer, Idea generator, Life mentor, World traveler

I've always been curious, intrigued, sometimes mystified by what "isn't said". Over twenty years ago I reailzed that encouraging one another to articulate the unspeakable was and is a major purpose of my life work. I've had the opportunity to work with top corporate executives as well as youth in non-profit organizations, brilliant technical talent as well as rural farmers in developing countries. In 1987 I launched SFB Associates, a global leadership consulting practice based in Minneapolis where I live. For the past ten years our work has focused extensively on helping technical leaders in R&D and beyond address the "undiscussables" that inhibit innovation and sustainable productivity. I am currently researching and writing a book with the working title "The Politics of Creativity: A Primer on Compliance and Defiance for Those Who Would Lead". It is based on a new model for unleashing creativity and supporting innovation by developing political skills for technical leaders, regardless of position. AND reclaiming the power of the human spirit to inspire and be inspired. I learned many of my best skills as a youth worker in the 80's when "dumb Steve games" were both dreaded and loved as I tried to draw kids into a space that left inhibitions behind. I continue to play in the space between power and passion as I help leaders navigate the often unspoken "political" terrain of their corporate existence.

the politics of creativity, facilitating organizational change, reading, travel, gardening,

Political savy will do more for innovation than any new business process. 1. Innovators break rules. 2. Rule breaking is always political. 3. Political aptitude is essential for leaders. 4. Leaders change culture even as they are shaped by it. 5.Organizational culture is the only sustainable competitive advantage.

Collaboration and Teamwork, Consulting, Mentoring and coaching, Mergers and Integration, Individual Change and transformation, O, R&D leadership and management, Corp. Strategy

organizing parties and getting people to play games that they are certain they would never play; coaching and mentoring young adults; power naps; flower arranging;