Are there certain locations around the globe that promote and support an innovation mindset? Can a city provide an environment that enables innovation rather than just an organization? Richard Florida, social researcher and consultant, coined the term “creative class,” and has authored Who’s Your City, identifies the following factors: diversity, innovation functions, patents per capita, … Read more
Most executives believe that innovation will enable their company to stand out in the marketplace, especially in this economy. Yet, executives do not develop the strategies and execute the follow through necessary to create their innovation environment. How do you measure that innovation has been optimized? Especially for use as a performance assessment tool? It … Read more
What does it take to be a leader, especially in today’s environment? Openness: Receptivity, flexibility, seeking and accepting ideas from others, actively communicating Intention: Acting on purpose, willpower, volition, restraint Courage: Fearlessness, confidence, willingness to challenge ideas, standing steadfast in the face of adversity Integrity: Honesty, doing what one says he or she will do, … Read more
The power of balancing one’s technical and people skills, allowing a diversity of thought, backgrounds, and productive behavior drives a sustainable innovation culture.
Leaders take accountability for the innovation environment, for the “people factor” in the organization, bridge managing the data and motivating and aligning people, and treat people like unique individuals.
Outsourcing needs to be done with getting the best value for resources and transactional costs available, and keeping critical core competencies available to remain nimble.