Introduction

For the past twelve months, members of the #9 team have read about, thought about and discussed how we can help the individuals and the organization that we care about engage in their work tasks in a more effective and healthy way, to remain innovative and agile, without compromising equilibrium and enthusiasm. At many points we have had more questions than answers yet we have learned a great deal. Collectively, the team has read over 75 relevant books and articles. We learned from those who are forging the path of innovation and well-being firsthand both outside of Cornell and inside CUL. Externally we learned from Cornell faculty and from innovators at other institutions. Within CUL, we listened to the comments of approximately 100 employees through a variety of methods. (A resource binder with summary reports and redacted comments from CUL employees will be provided to each LMT member.) This report synthesizes our understanding of the connections between innovation and burnout and makes recommendations for next steps. The team believes we have seen the start of the road toward innovation and engagement, and learned the markers that will help us find our way as we go. We hope that our work to date will inspire you to continue to build and broaden this path. This report is an invitation to join us on this journey of discovery. Like all journeys, this one begins in the imagination.