Meet the Owner
Dr. William Brooks
Owner, Facilitator and Mentor
The Beginning
The founders of eclecthink were two individuals, one a scientist and one an educator of academically talented students who were, initially caught up in the sense-of-wonder of the science of how the universe works and the process by which people generate innovative products and processes. This led to the investigation of creativity and innovation, and their application to the development of students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). It was fine to develop these individuals, and there needed to be places for them to contribute.
The Action/Journey Taken
The early years of eclecthink were directed at educational institutions, teachers, and students. A large number of STEM related lesson plans were developed for different curricula in Saskatchewan and Alberta and in conjunction with professional organizations wishing to get their educational materials into the classroom. At the same time, the need for a different approach to strategic planning, specifically directed at community-based organizations developed and eclecthink was there with a means, through creative problems solving and productive thinking, of obtaining those plans. Although community-based organizations are corporations, strategic plans need to be longer in scope due to the limited resources available to the organization. Three-year plans are more like tactical sessions where seven-year plans deal more with strategy.
At the same time the University of Saskatchewan, College of Agriculture and Bioresources, was looking for a course to encourage their 3rd year students to look at entrepreneurship and innovation as a career path, in addition to traditional roles. eclecthink was contracted to develop a 37 hour credit course introducing agriculture students to creative and entrepreneurship. The class was structured around the skills, attitudes, process and perspectives associated with creativity, and well as real-life problem solving techniques. A way to ensure entrepreneurship was based in innovation. eclecthink taught this course for 6 years before the university set about a direction to transform the course calendar and the way classes were taught.
The Transformation/Result
These activities continued with us working with organizations such as food banks, arts groups and leadership development organizations. In 2015 one of the principals in eclecthink was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and the activities of the company were scaled back to make sure her involvement was unnecessarily taxing. The company was transformed from a partnership to a sole proprietorship in 2021. It’s continuing efforts are directed at working with change leaders, and community-based organizations to ensure that a creative approach to problem solving is grown in the community. In addition, eclecthink continues to provide professional develop for groups wishing to improve their creativity and to solve complex and complicated problems. Companies that develop a process to address problems and change chart a dynamic and exciting future.
The Beginning
The founders of eclecthink international were two individuals, one a scientist and one an educator of academically talented students. Both used their sense-of-wonder of the science of how the universe works to engage students, teachers and the general public to become passionate with the world around them. As the organization evolved, creativity and innovation driven by science, was identified as a much desired and needed skill in educational and business organizations. More time was spent developing the processes for people to utilize in generating innovative products and processes. This led to the investigation of creativity and innovation, and their application to the development of students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). It was fine to develop these individuals, and there needed to be places for them to contribute.
The Transformation
The early years of eclecthink were directed at educational institutions, teachers, and students. A large number of STEM related lesson plans were created for different curricula in Saskatchewan, Alberta and across Canada. These were developed in conjunction with government departments and professional organizations wishing to get their educational materials into the classroom. At the same time, the need for a different approach to strategic planning, specifically directed at community-based organizations was identified and developed. eclecthink was there with a means, through creative problems solving and productive thinking, of developing those plans and guide organizations in implementing them. Although community-based organizations are corporations, strategic plans needed to have a more limited scope due to the limited resources available to the organization. Three-year plans are more like tactical sessions where seven-year plans deal more with strategy.
At the same time the University of Saskatchewan, College of Agriculture and Bioresources, was looking for a course to encourage their 3rd year students to look at entrepreneurship and innovation as a career path in addition to traditional roles. eclecthink was contracted to develop and taught for 6 years, a 37-hour credit course introducing agriculture students to creativity and entrepreneurship. The class was structured around the skills, attitudes, process and perspectives associated with creativity, and well as real-life problem solving techniques. This course development process was applied to all eclecthink’s offerings and paved the way to the development and implementation of programs associated with leadership.
The Ongoing Commitment
The skills, attitudes, processes, and perspectives used in the pursuit of creativity and innovation can be applied to all types of problem solving, not only product and program development but also in the administration and evolution of individuals and organizations or leadership. Applying those attributes to individuals, teams and departments allowed members to identify and hone their personal approach to communications and leadership. eclecthink undertook to develop approaches and program based on scientific thinking, problem solving, creativity and innovation to help direct and develop individuals and groups in leadership. With the passing of one of the partners in 2020, the emphasis and commitment has been to provide professional development on creativity and problem solving through coaching and mentorship. eclecthink continues to provide professional develop for groups wishing to improve their creativity and to solve complex and complicated problems. Companies that develop a process to address problems and change chart a dynamic and exciting future.
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