Category Archives: Innovation

How can I create continuous innovation in my organization? – EPISODE TWO – Ask the Consultant

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Live from the Innovation Studio comes EPISODE TWO of a new ‘Ask the Consultant’ series of short form videos. EPISODE TWO tackles the second most commonly asked question of me:

“How can I create continuous innovation in my organization?”

Hint: It starts with getting a copy of Stoking Your Innovation Bonfire because I detail in the book how to overcome the key barriers to innovation.

Together in this episode we’ll explore how to create continuous innovation in your organization, why I wrote Stoking Your Innovation Bonfire, and how it can make a great course book for innovation courses at universities, executive education, and corporate training programs.

“Innovation is never easy — and not always welcome. This book is dedicated to the men and women who dedicate their lives to pushing our organizations to make more efficient use of our human capital and natural resources and to make the world a better place.”

Grab a great deal on Stoking Your Innovation Bonfire on Amazon while they last!

What question should I tackle in the next video episode of “Ask the Consultant” live from my innovation studio?

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Below are the previous episodes of ‘Ask the Consultant’:

  1. EPISODE ONE – What is innovation?
  2. All other episodes of Ask the Consultant


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Innovation and Entropy

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Innovation and Entropy

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

Innovation and entropy are two important concepts that are often discussed in business and technology circles. Entropy is a measure of disorder in a system and it can be used to measure the amount of energy available for the system to use. Innovation, on the other hand, is an important component of modern business success and is used to create new products, services, and processes that can give businesses a competitive edge.

Entropy is a measure of energy that is available to a system to use. This measure of energy is governed by the Second Law of Thermodynamics, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted. Therefore, the amount of energy available to a system is determined by the entropy of the system. The higher the entropy, the more energy is available to the system.

Innovation is the process of creating new products, services, and processes that can give businesses a competitive edge. It is a process of creating something new and different, which can give businesses an advantage over their competitors. Innovation requires creativity, risk-taking, and problem-solving skills. It can also involve the use of existing technologies or processes in new ways.

Innovation and entropy are closely linked. Entropy is a measure of energy that is available to a system, and this energy can be used to create new products, services, and processes. Therefore, innovation can be seen as a way to use the available energy to create something new. As a result, the more energy available to a system, the more potential for innovation.

In conclusion, innovation and entropy are two important concepts that are closely linked. Entropy is a measure of energy that is available to a system, and this energy can be used to create new products, services, and processes. Therefore, businesses should strive to create an environment that has high levels of entropy so that they can use the energy available to them to innovate and create new products, services, and processes that can give them a competitive edge.

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The Importance of Continuous Learning

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Developing Growth Mindsets for Employee Engagement and Innovation

The Importance of Continuous Learning

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, continuous learning is more important than ever. It is essential for organizations to foster a culture of growth mindset among their employees in order to drive employee engagement and encourage innovation. In this article, we will explore the significance of continuous learning and how it can create a positive impact on the overall success of a company.

Continuous learning is the process of acquiring new knowledge and skills throughout one’s career. It is about constantly seeking out new opportunities for growth and development, whether through formal training programs, informal learning experiences, or on-the-job experiences. By encouraging employees to engage in continuous learning, organizations can foster a culture of curiosity, creativity, and adaptability.

One of the key benefits of continuous learning is its impact on employee engagement. When employees are given the opportunity to learn and grow, they are more likely to feel motivated and invested in their work. This, in turn, can lead to increased productivity, better job satisfaction, and higher levels of employee retention. A study conducted by Gallup found that companies with highly engaged employees are 21% more profitable than those with low levels of engagement. By investing in continuous learning opportunities for their employees, organizations can create a more engaged and committed workforce.

Furthermore, continuous learning can also drive innovation within an organization. By encouraging employees to constantly expand their knowledge and skills, companies can create a culture of experimentation and creativity. Employees who are willing to take risks and try new things are more likely to come up with innovative solutions to complex problems. This can give organizations a competitive edge in the marketplace and help them stay ahead of the curve.

To illustrate the importance of continuous learning in driving employee engagement and innovation, let’s look at two case studies:

Case Study 1: Google

Google is widely known for its innovative culture and commitment to continuous learning. The company encourages its employees to spend 20% of their time on personal projects that interest them, allowing them to explore new ideas and concepts outside of their daily responsibilities. This practice has led to the development of some of Google’s most successful products, including Gmail and Google News. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and experimentation, Google has been able to stay at the forefront of the technology industry.

Case Study 2: IBM

IBM has also seen the benefits of continuous learning in driving employee engagement and innovation. The company offers a wide range of training and development programs for its employees, including online courses, workshops, and mentorship opportunities. By investing in the professional growth of its workforce, IBM has been able to create a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. This has enabled the company to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market and deliver cutting-edge solutions to its clients.

Conclusion

Continuous learning is essential for organizations looking to drive employee engagement and foster a culture of innovation. By investing in the professional growth of their workforce and encouraging a growth mindset, companies can create a more engaged and creative workforce that is better equipped to meet the challenges of the future. Organizations that prioritize continuous learning are likely to see greater levels of employee satisfaction, higher levels of productivity, and increased levels of innovation. Ultimately, continuous learning is not just a nice-to-have, but a must-have for companies looking to thrive in a dynamic and ever-changing business environment.

Bottom line: Futurists are not fortune tellers. They use a formal approach to achieve their outcomes, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to be their own futurist.

Image credit: Pixabay

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Continuous Innovation

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How to sustain the momentum and drive ongoing digital transformation initiatives

Continuous Innovation Infrastructure

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, staying ahead of the curve requires organizations to not only embrace digital transformation but to also continuously innovate to stay relevant and competitive. However, sustaining the momentum and driving ongoing digital transformation initiatives can be a challenging task. In this article, we will explore the keys to maintaining innovation momentum and driving successful digital transformation efforts, with the help of two inspiring case studies.

1. Foster a culture of innovation

One of the key factors in sustaining innovation momentum is fostering a culture of innovation within the organization. This means creating an environment where employees are encouraged to think outside the box, take risks, and experiment with new ideas. By empowering employees to contribute their innovative ideas and providing the necessary resources and support, organizations can tap into the collective creativity of their workforce and drive continuous innovation.

A prime example of a company that has successfully fostered a culture of innovation is Google. Known for its “20% time” policy, which allows employees to spend up to 20% of their workweek on projects unrelated to their main job, Google has been able to drive continuous innovation and bring to market groundbreaking products like Gmail and Google Maps. By giving employees the freedom to explore their passions and work on projects that excite them, Google has created an environment where innovative ideas flourish and drive ongoing digital transformation initiatives.

2. Embrace agile methodologies

Another key to sustaining innovation momentum is embracing agile methodologies to adapt quickly to changing market conditions and customer needs. Agile methodologies, which prioritize collaboration, flexibility, and iterative development, allow organizations to respond rapidly to feedback and make continuous improvements to their products and services. By adopting agile practices, organizations can accelerate their digital transformation efforts and stay ahead of the competition.

A shining example of a company that has embraced agile methodologies to drive digital transformation is Amazon. With a relentless focus on customer-centric innovation, Amazon has been able to continuously refine its products and services to meet evolving customer expectations. By breaking down silos, fostering collaboration, and empowering cross-functional teams, Amazon has been able to rapidly iterate on its offerings and drive ongoing digital transformation initiatives that have reshaped the e-commerce landscape.

Conclusion

Sustaining innovation momentum and driving ongoing digital transformation initiatives requires a concerted effort to foster a culture of innovation, embrace agile methodologies, and empower employees to contribute their innovative ideas. By following the example of companies like Google and Amazon, organizations can tap into the power of continuous innovation to stay ahead of the curve and drive successful digital transformation efforts in today’s fast-paced business environment.

.. and if you want to build a continuous innovation infrastructure within your organization, get a copy of Stoking Your Innovation Bonfire by Braden Kelley.

Bottom line: Futurists are not fortune tellers. They use a formal approach to achieve their outcomes, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to be their own futurist.

Image credit: Pixabay

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What is innovation? – EPISODE ONE – Ask the Consultant

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Live from the Innovation Studio comes EPISODE ONE of a new ‘Ask the Consultant’ series of short form videos. EPISODE ONE tackles the question people ask me more than any other:

“What is innovation?”

If you’d like to see additional potential definitions of innovation you can find 60+ additional innovation definitions here (sorry, link expired).

My definition of innovation, refined over the years, is the following:

“Innovation transforms the useful seeds of invention into widely adopted solutions valued above every existing alternative.” – Braden Kelley

The video above covers why I have defined innovation in this way, and why it is so important for every organization to have a clear definition of innovation that they disseminate WIDELY across the organization.

What question should I tackle in the next video episode of “Ask the Consultant” live from my innovation studio?

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Understanding Habit Formation

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Utilizing Consumer Psychology for Continuous Innovation

Understanding Habit Formation

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

In today’s competitive business landscape, companies are constantly seeking ways to innovate and stay ahead of the curve. One key strategy that has proven to be effective in driving business growth and success is understanding habit formation and leveraging consumer psychology to create products and services that cater to consumers’ habits. By tapping into the subconscious motives that drive consumer behavior, businesses can develop innovative solutions that not only meet consumers’ needs but also create long-lasting habits that lead to brand loyalty and sustained success. In this article, we will explore the concept of habit formation and how businesses can harness the power of consumer psychology to drive continuous innovation.

Case Study 1: Starbucks

Starbucks is a prime example of a company that has successfully utilized consumer psychology to drive habit formation and continuous innovation. The coffee giant has mastered the art of creating a unique and immersive customer experience that appeals to consumers’ habits and preferences. From the moment customers walk into a Starbucks store, they are greeted with the familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee, welcoming ambiance, and friendly baristas. These sensory cues trigger positive emotions and reinforce the habit of visiting Starbucks for their daily caffeine fix.

Moreover, Starbucks has leveraged consumer psychology to create a loyalty program that incentivizes customers to visit their stores regularly. By offering rewards for frequent purchases and personalized promotions based on customers’ previous orders, Starbucks encourages repeat business and fosters a sense of loyalty among its customers. This strategy has not only helped Starbucks retain its existing customer base but also attract new customers who are drawn to the convenience and rewards offered by the loyalty program.

Case Study 2: Peloton

Peloton is another company that has effectively utilized consumer psychology to drive habit formation and innovation in the fitness industry. With its interactive workout platform and high-end exercise equipment, Peloton has created a community-driven experience that motivates users to establish a regular exercise routine. By tapping into consumers’ desire for social connection and accountability, Peloton has successfully built a loyal following of fitness enthusiasts who rely on the platform for their daily workouts.

Furthermore, Peloton’s data-driven approach to personalizing the workout experience has enabled the company to continuously iterate and improve its products and services based on consumer feedback. By analyzing user metrics and behavior patterns, Peloton can tailor its content and recommendations to meet the evolving needs and preferences of its customers. This commitment to customer-centric innovation has allowed Peloton to stay ahead of the competition and maintain its position as a leader in the fitness industry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding habit formation and leveraging consumer psychology are essential strategies for driving continuous innovation and business growth. By tapping into consumers’ subconscious motivations and preferences, companies can create products and services that not only meet their customers’ needs but also establish long-lasting habits that lead to brand loyalty and sustained success. As demonstrated by the case studies of Starbucks and Peloton, businesses that prioritize consumer psychology and habit formation are more likely to thrive in today’s competitive marketplace. By incorporating these principles into their business strategies, companies can unlock new opportunities for growth, innovation, and long-term success.

Bottom line: Futurists are not fortune tellers. They use a formal approach to achieve their outcomes, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to be their own futurist.

Image credit: Unsplash

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Overcoming Barriers to Collaboration in Innovation Projects

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Overcoming Barriers to Collaboration in Innovation Projects

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

In today’s fast-paced world, collaboration is key to driving innovation and staying ahead of the competition. However, despite the numerous benefits of working together, many organizations still face challenges when it comes to fostering collaboration in their innovation projects. These barriers can hinder progress and impede the success of even the most promising initiatives. In this thought leadership article, we will explore some common barriers to collaboration in innovation projects and provide strategies for overcoming them.

One of the main barriers to collaboration in innovation projects is a lack of communication and trust among team members. Without open and transparent communication, team members may not feel comfortable voicing their ideas or concerns, leading to missed opportunities for creativity and problem-solving. To address this issue, organizations should focus on building strong relationships among team members and creating a culture of trust and openness. One effective strategy is to hold regular team meetings and brainstorming sessions where everyone is encouraged to share their ideas and feedback.

Another common barrier to collaboration in innovation projects is a lack of clearly defined goals and roles. When team members are unsure of their responsibilities or the overall objectives of the project, confusion and frustration can arise, leading to delays and inefficiencies. To overcome this barrier, organizations must establish clear and measurable goals for their innovation projects, as well as define the roles and responsibilities of each team member. By ensuring that everyone is on the same page and working towards a common goal, collaboration can flourish, and innovation can thrive.

To illustrate these strategies in action, let’s consider two case studies of organizations that have successfully overcome barriers to collaboration in their innovation projects:

Case Study 1: Company A is a tech startup with a diverse team of engineers, designers, and marketers working on a new product launch. Facing challenges with communication and trust among team members, the company implemented regular team-building activities and training sessions focused on improving collaboration skills. By fostering stronger relationships and creating a culture of openness, Company A was able to overcome communication barriers and drive successful innovation projects.

Case Study 2: Company B is a multinational corporation with multiple departments collaborating on a new sustainability initiative. To address issues with unclear goals and roles, the company created a detailed project plan outlining specific objectives, timelines, and responsibilities for each team member. By providing clear guidance and direction, Company B was able to align its teams and drive successful collaboration in their innovation projects.

Conclusion

Overcoming barriers to collaboration in innovation projects requires a combination of strong communication, trust, goal-setting, and role definition. By implementing these strategies and learning from successful case studies, organizations can break down barriers and create a culture of collaboration that fosters innovation and drives success. By prioritizing collaboration and fostering a culture of openness and trust, organizations can unlock their full potential and achieve groundbreaking results in their innovation projects.

Bottom line: Futurists are not fortune tellers. They use a formal approach to achieve their outcomes, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to be their own futurist.

Image credit: Pixabay

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The Power of Employee Engagement in Building an Innovation Culture

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The Power of Employee Engagement in Building an Innovation Culture

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

In today’s fast-paced and competitive business environment, organizations are constantly seeking ways to stay ahead of the curve and drive innovation. One of the key factors in fostering a culture of innovation is employee engagement. When employees are engaged and motivated, they are more likely to bring their best ideas to the table, collaborate effectively with their colleagues, and contribute to the overall success of the company.

Employee engagement is not just about having happy employees; it is about creating a work environment where employees feel valued, empowered, and inspired to do their best work. Research has shown that companies with high levels of employee engagement are more innovative, productive, and profitable than those with low levels of engagement. In fact, companies with engaged employees outperform their competitors by up to 202%.

Case Study 1: Google

One company that has successfully leveraged the power of employee engagement to drive innovation is Google. Google is known for its innovative culture, which encourages employees to take risks, think creatively, and experiment with new ideas. Google offers its employees a range of perks and benefits, from flexible work hours to on-site gyms and free meals, to foster a sense of belonging and ownership. Google also values transparency and communication, with regular town hall meetings and open forums where employees can share their ideas and feedback. As a result, Google has been able to develop revolutionary products and services, such as Gmail, Google Maps, and Android, that have reshaped the tech industry.

Case Study 2: Zappos

Another company that has embraced employee engagement as a driver of innovation is Zappos. Zappos is known for its unique company culture, which is based on the core values of delivering WOW through service, embracing and driving change, and creating fun and a little weirdness. Zappos places a strong emphasis on employee recognition and appreciation, with programs such as “WowWallas” where employees can give shoutouts to their colleagues for their hard work and dedication. Zappos also offers employees opportunities for professional growth and development, with a focus on continuous learning and skill-building. This culture of engagement has enabled Zappos to create a customer-centric organization that is constantly pushing the boundaries of e-commerce innovation.

Conclusion

The link between employee engagement and innovation culture is clear. By fostering a work environment where employees feel engaged, empowered, and inspired, companies can drive creativity, collaboration, and ultimately, innovation. Tactics such as transparent communication, recognition programs, and providing opportunities for professional growth can help organizations enhance employee engagement and build a culture of innovation that sets them apart from the competition. As leaders, it is essential to prioritize employee engagement and invest in strategies that cultivate a culture of innovation, as it is the key to long-term success in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.

Bottom line: The Change Planning Toolkit™ is grounded in extensive research and proven methodologies, providing users with a reliable and evidence-based approach to change management. The toolkit offers a comprehensive set of tools and resources that guide users through each stage of the change planning process, enabling them to develop effective strategies and navigate potential obstacles with confidence.

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Training Your Quantum Human Computer

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Quantum Human Computing

What is quantum computing?

According to Wikipedia, “Quantum computing is the use of quantum phenomena such as superposition and entanglement to perform computation. Computers that perform quantum computations are known as quantum computers.”

Rather than try and explain all of the ins and outs of how quantum computing differs from traditional computing and why it matters, I encourage you to check out this YouTube video:

In case you were curious, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, the current record holder for quantum computing is a Google machine capable of processing 72 Quantum Bits. There is supposedly a machine in China capable of 76 Qubits, but it has yet to be fully recognized as the new record holder.

So, what does quantum computing have to do with humanity and the human brain and our collective future?

Is the human brain a quantum computer?

The easy answer is – we’re not sure – but scientists are conducting experiments to try and determine whether the human brain is capable of computing in a quantum way.

As the pace of change in our world accelerates and data proliferates, we will need to train our brains to use less traditional brute force computing of going through every possibility one after another to do more parallel processing, better pattern recognition, and generating an increase in our ability to see insights straight away.

Connect the Dots

But how can we train our brains?

There are many different ways to better prepare your brain as we move from the Information Age to the Age of Insight. Let me start you off with two good ones and invite you to add more in the comments:

1. Connect the Dots

Many of us grew up doing connect-the-dot puzzles, and they seemed pretty easy. But, that is with visual queues. The image above shows a number of different visual queues. Connect the dots, especially without numbers or visual queues are great proving grounds for improving your visual pattern recognition skills.

2. DLAIY JMBULE

One of my favorites is the word game DAILY JUMBLE in my local newspaper. You can also play it online. The key here is to work not on using brute force to reorder the letters into a word, but trying to train your brain to just SEE THE WORD – instantly.

Succeeding at this and other ways of training your brain to be more like a quantum computer involves getting better at removing your conscious analytical brain from the picture and letting other parts of your brain take over. It’s not easy. It takes practice – continual practice – because it is really hard to keep the analytical brain out of the way.

So, are you willing to give it a try?

Stay tuned for the next article in this series “The Age of Insight” …

Image credits: Utrecht University, Pixabay


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Change Metrics and Measurement

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Assessing the Impact of Organizational Transformation

Change Metrics and Measurement

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, organizations are consistently striving to stay ahead of the curve by undergoing various transformation initiatives. From digitalization efforts to cultural shifts, organizational transformation has become a necessity for growth and survival. However, for these transformations to be successful, organizations need to accurately measure their impact using effective metrics. In this article, we will explore the importance of change metrics and measurement in assessing the impact of organizational transformation through the lens of two case studies.

Case Study 1: Company A – Digital Transformation

Company A, a traditional manufacturing firm, embarked on a digital transformation journey to enhance operational efficiency and improve customer experience. To measure the impact of the transformation, a set of metrics were developed to track key performance indicators (KPIs).

The first metric focused on employee adoption of new digital tools. By tracking the rate of tool adoption and conducting regular surveys, Company A was able to identify areas where additional training and support were needed. As a result, the effectiveness of the digital tools and employees’ acceptance increased, leading to a significant improvement in efficiency.

Another crucial metric assessed the impact on customer satisfaction. By analyzing customer feedback, complaints, and net promoter score, the transformation team determined whether the digital transformation translated into enhanced customer experiences. Adjustments were made based on the data, resulting in higher customer satisfaction levels and an increase in repeat business.

This case study demonstrates how change metrics enabled Company A to track the impact of digital transformation from both an internal (employee adoption) and external (customer satisfaction) perspective. By measuring these metrics continually, the organization was able to make informed decisions and refine their transformation strategy.

Case Study 2: Company B – Cultural Shift

Company B, an established financial institution, recognized the need to embrace a startup culture to foster innovation and remain competitive. To assess the impact of this cultural shift, a blend of quantitative and qualitative metrics were employed.

One critical metric focused on the employee engagement and satisfaction levels. Regular surveys and face-to-face interviews were conducted to gauge employees’ perception of the cultural shift. By monitoring changes in these metrics over time, Company B was able to identify pain points and implement initiatives to address concerns. This approach resulted in an increase in employee satisfaction and a more collaborative work environment.

Another metric relied on the development of innovative ideas and their implementation within the organization. By tracking the number of ideas generated, the success rate of implementation, and the impact of these ideas on the company’s bottom line, Company B could effectively assess the transformation’s impact. The organization observed a steady increase in the number of innovative ideas and a subsequent boost in revenue, showcasing the positive effect of the cultural shift.

This case study exemplifies how change metrics allow organizations to measure the impact of cultural transformations, such as embracing a startup culture. By identifying key metrics related to employee engagement and idea generation, Company B was able to continuously evaluate the transformation’s progress and make informed decisions.

Conclusion

Assessing the impact of organizational transformation is essential to ensure its success. By using well-defined change metrics and measurement approaches, organizations can evaluate the effectiveness of their transformation initiatives and make data-driven decisions to refine their strategies.

The case studies of Company A and Company B demonstrate the importance of incorporating different metrics to assess transformation impact from various perspectives. Whether it be digital transformation or cultural shifts, the ability to measure employee adoption, customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and innovative outcomes allows organizations to gauge the success of their transformation efforts accurately.

To remain competitive, organizations must not only embrace change but also track and evaluate its impact continuously. By doing so, they can foster a culture of accountability, learn from their experiences, and ultimately achieve meaningful and sustainable transformation.

Bottom line: Futurists are not fortune tellers. They use a formal approach to achieve their outcomes, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to be their own futurist.

Image credit: misterinnovation.com

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