Posts Tagged ‘innovation strategies’
The historical lens of lessons learned
One of the challenges of studying history, classics, and the past, is knowing how to read stories through the right lens: is it ours, or is it the lens of the time? Do you know how this comes up in business? In your Lessons Learned. Lessons Learned After a major project or process update, you…
Read MoreThe best lessons are the ones we learn
There’s nothing wrong with things going wrong in business. Do you remember Apple’s first hand-held device, the Newton? No? That’s ok, neither does anybody else. Managerially the company did everything right and yet the product was a huge flop. But the brand didn’t disappear, and 13 years later they launched the iPhone, which quickly set…
Read MoreInnovation happens when you think inside the box: start with the everyday
Innovation happens when you are good at something you do… and then you do it a little bit better. Innovation matters because it ensures that you are always doing things in the best possible way. “Innovation is about tweaking systems that are already faring well”, according to Business News Daily. It’s the little changes you…
Read MoreThe single best business tool you can ever use
Adapt tools to your needs, not your needs to the tools. When you turn to the tools, start with the best one. The one tool that will solve problems and get you started on every project. The tool from which any other tool can be built. A list. Why lists are the single best business…
Read MoreWe cannot solve the problems of the future
Because we don’t know what they will be. Think of all the jobs that exist today but did not exist 20 years ago. Now imagine the other side of the coin: with all the new opportunities we couldn’t have predicted, think of all of the challenges that we won’t be able to predict. We can’t…
Read MoreHow to stay busy without losing your mind
A client recently told me that his favorite thing about working with me was the accountability it gave him. We created a new management plan, rolled it out to his employees, and then structured his management meetings. While he enjoyed all this work, the knowledge of upcoming meetings with me, and knowing that the work…
Read MoreWhy you should stop trying to be better
It’s a little bit like trying to be perfect. Trying to be better does not add value. But wait: doesn’t better mean an improvement? Wouldn’t that automatically add value? Yes and no. Better is comparative to a previous version or an outside influence. Value is, remains, will always be, about the client. Better and best…
Read MoreDecisions, decisions, decisions: start by saying no.
Decisions. What to eat for breakfast. How much coffee to have. Which route to take to work. What to listen to on the radio. What to do first. What to do later. When to take a break. Which shoes to wear. Just some of the decisions we have to make within a few hours of…
Read MoreYes, business person: your work is creative
I am talking to you, the accountant. And you, the attorney. I am talking to you: the realtor, the banker, the writer, and the art hanger. Everybody reading this, all of our work is creative. It is the core idea in my interview on Jessica Matthews’ How I Create Me podcast. Creativity is transformation When…
Read MoreThe quick & easy definition of management
And does a business really need it? “Management” and “managers”? Yes and no. A business can choose to ignore the word and all its derivations. But the truth is that “management” is happening anyway, whether intentional or not. So you may as well make it good. What does it mean The problem with asking questions…
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