So you have a problem, now what? There is so much out there on innovation, design thinking, and creative problem solving, it’s hard to know where to start. In previous posts we’ve reviewed that you are creative, and where ideas come from. But how do you go from problem, to ideas, to actual solution? We’ve […]
business
The 21st Century Suggestion Box
Ritz Carlton calls it “Radar-On Antenna Up”. A couple years ago I had the pleasure of hearing a representative from the Ritz speak about the importance of noticing what isn’t being said, what lies between the spoken words and desires of the customer. For them, this wasn’t about innovation, but customer service. But what if […]
You won’t believe what they did with…
Resources and capabilities are abundant. In a world full of materialism and the need to accumulate it may sometimes feel that everything has already been invented. I’m here to tell you invention will never stop – and you already have everything you need to innovate and create something new and exciting. Have you seen the […]
Notice and act…
Trends. Fads. Early adapters. Making a movement…. How much attention are you paying to what is happening in the world around you? Can you take that data and synthesize it into a compelling product or service? Companies are doing this everyday. Let’s examine closer… Twitter: Harnessing the growing popularity of text messaging, Twitter started with […]
Unleash your inner child…
If you want success in business sometimes you have to stop being so grown up. It may seem counter-intuitive, however, sometimes going against your intuition is not such a bad thing. As children we are too ignorant to know any better, and so we challenge everything around us, trying to suss out what is relevant […]
YOU ARE CREATIVE…now what?
“I’m not creative.” Have you ever said this? Have you ever heard someone say this? Like being creative is something that you either are or aren’t. Being creative is not a state of being, it is not something that you are born with or without. Also, being creative is not about painting masterpieces and writing […]
Customers – we all have them and we all are one…
Many times in your life you are going to purchase things – cars, books, watches, apples, etc. – and each time your experience in purchasing will range somewhere on the continuum from indescribably horrible to incredible. Quite often you will find yourself somewhere in the realm of indifferent and not memorable. And if you are […]
Between the Carrot and the Stick
You’ve heard the analogy, the combination of reward and punishment to motivate and drive employees forward. In one hand you hold the carrot in front of your employee – just a little bit further, push just a little bit harder, and he can have this tasty reward. In the other hand you hold the stick, […]