creativity

Problem Solving Environment

Problem Solving Environment

When solving problems individually, you do not have to think about others and different perspectives. You can focus on the problem and how you will proceed along the root-cause analysis process. However, many of us solve problems with others or in a team. When solving problems in a group, it is important to create a positive and safe environment.

A Contrarian’s Perspective

A Contrarian’s Perspective

In good times you should never blindly follow the herd. But this is even more relevant during bad times. As Albert Einstein famously said, "the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result". To develop lasting competitive advantages and provide new, unexpected value for your customers, it is critical to think and act differently from your competitors. You have to reinvent the game.

Intrepreneuring: Don't Wait for Permission

Intrepreneuring: Don't Wait for Permission

I just finished reading two great books from Gifford Pinchot III, Intrepreneuring and Intrepeneuring in Action. These books discuss the need for entrepreneurship within large organizations, and why intrapreneurs are critical for an organization’s success. Pinochet coined the term “intrepreneur” to describe an “intracorporate entrepreneur”. What this role is, is an individual whom acts like an entrepreneur but within an organization.

Value Monopoly

Value Monopoly

We always hear the business press and academics talk about how unpredictable the future will be. How the rapid rate of change will affect all industries and businesses. However, the instability we are all experiencing right now is unprecedented for most of us. As I have written before, these times require all of us to rethink how we conduct business. Times like this requires us all to reevaluate how we conduct business and how to survive and prosper as things rapidly change. If you typically react to market changes, this is a great “kick-in-the-pants”moment to be proactive. Stay positive and realize the unlimited opportunities that now exist.

Expand Your Imagination

Expand Your Imagination

I urge others and push myself to continually learn and experience unique and strange new things. A great way to do both of these is through reading. I’ve seen a few kids walking around reading books lately and it’s given me hope that reading is not dead. The great benefit of reading is its inexpensive, you can do it anywhere, and it is a great way to stir the imagination.

Developing New Ideas

Developing New Ideas

It is critical for small, medium, and large organizations to emphasize creative thinking in all areas of the business and at all levels. Successful creative thinking to develop new ideas to improve every aspect of the organization, will not happen by building cool work spaces, adding ping-pong tables or bean bag chairs, or fun team building exercises. Creative thinking happens when you train your entire team in the basics of how to develop new ideas, and ensure everyone understands how to avoid “killing ideas” and accepting and celebrating failure.

A Positive Revolution

A Positive Revolution

We are living in interesting times to say the least. More people are being lifted out of poverty and ongoing technology and science innovations are changing lives for the better. As we live in a time of incredible wealth, longer lifespans, and unimaginable progress, we seem to be moving backwards in terms of morality, caring for others, and a sense of community. Due to the ability of those who hate and blame others having a strong voice via social media and various digital outlets, we are at a pivotal moment in time, to stop the progression backwards and move to a positive and more creative future. If we do not demand change and create change, we will continue to slide into a world based on hate, division, and isolation.