Category: Innovation Perspectives
This is the eleventh of several ‘Innovation Perspectives’ articles we will publish this week from multiple authors to get different perspectives on ‘What are three specific actions that a non-innovative company can take to become more innovative?’. Here is the next perspective in the series: by Ric Merrifield Michael Jordan failed at baseball because he tried to be something he’s not, a world class baseball player. Jordan is still considered one of the best basketball players ever, but he’s not great a baseball. So when a company decides it wants, or needs to be more innovative, it ought to look in the mirror and ask what it will take to start to be something it hasn’t been in the past, and wonder why it will succeed. Before it does that though, there needs to be a conversation about why they want to be more innovative. Just because innovation is happening … Continue reading
This is the tenth of several ‘Innovation Perspectives’ articles we will publish this week from multiple authors to get different perspectives on ‘What are three specific actions that a non-innovative company can take to become more innovative?’. Here is the next perspective in the series: by Meri Gruber No company is completely non-innovative – all companies innovate, they just don’t know where and how. Companies should look to the advice of authors Chip and Dan Heath in “Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard” to build on small successes and become more innovative. Look for bright spots, where innovation is happening: 1. Find the bright spots. Ask the bright-spot question: “Where are we innovating today and how can we do more of it?” Too often our focus is on what isn’t working, what the Heath’s call “archaeological problem solving.” Switch instead to “bright-spot evangelizing.” 2. Connect your people … Continue reading
This is the ninth of several ‘Innovation Perspectives’ articles we will publish this week from multiple authors to get different perspectives on ‘What are three specific actions that a non-innovative company can take to become more innovative?’. Here is the next perspective in the series: by Bryan Mahoney Innovation journeys can begin by asking yourself one question: Where do I want to be? You can add all sorts of caveats to that (Where do I want to be in a year?) and definitions (By “I” I mean my company/department) but by starting with that one simple question, you can form a roadmap that is tangible and measurable. In innovation, the journey is as important as the destination: If you have no way to measure change, how will you know that you are successful? To that end, there are three ways to think about the journey, if you start by answering, … Continue reading
This is the eighth of several ‘Innovation Perspectives’ articles we will publish this week from multiple authors to get different perspectives on ‘What are three specific actions that a non-innovative company can take to become more innovative?’. Here is the next perspective in the series: by Kevin McFarthing The pressures on all companies today are increasing, and even non-innovative companies recognize it. Despite this, it would be difficult to find a company that would openly admit that they aren’t innovative. They will tick along in the same way they always have done, most likely selling commodity, undifferentiated products or services. If they continue, they will die – the only variable is how long it will take. “Business as usual” won’t change a thing. So the first specific action such a company should take is: Be honest with yourself and generate a sense of “crisis”. The organization needs to be …
This is the seventh of several ‘Innovation Perspectives’ articles we will publish this week from multiple authors to get different perspectives on ‘What are three specific actions that a non-innovative company can take to become more innovative?’. Here is the next perspective in the series: by Mark Prus Not Innovative? No Problem. Just Apply The Three I’s To Your Business In the Corporate world, I’ve had the privilege of leading my business unit through numerous strategic planning exercises and innovation processes. I’ve found that the process of becoming innovative can be simplified into what I call the 3 I’s. INTROSPECTION – Defined as self-examination. Before you can become innovative, you (and your management team) really need to re-examine your business with the intent of understanding what business you are in. As a marketing consultant with over 25 years in the consumer goods industry, I am admittedly biased, but I would … Continue reading
This is the sixth of several ‘Innovation Perspectives’ articles we will publish this week from multiple authors to get different perspectives on ‘What are three specific actions that a non-innovative company can take to become more innovative?’. Here is the next perspective in the series: by Mark Turrell What are three specific actions that a non-innovative company can take to become more innovative? Limit your expectations – stop reading books about Google, and get realistic about what you can achieve in your own firm Take a baby step – find something small to do, a tiny idea, and go do it. It could be a change to the way you handle expenses, or a new format for your invoices. By taking just a small step, you begin to realize that change is possible, that it’s not that hard. Develop your ‘end goal’ – where do you want to be… your … Continue reading
