From Traditional to Innovative

Transforming Established Organizations

From Traditional to Innovative: Transforming Established Organizations

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, the ability to innovate is no longer just a nice-to-have for companies – it’s essential for survival. However, many established organizations find themselves stuck in a traditional mindset that stifles creativity and hinders progress. In order to thrive in the face of technological disruption and shifting consumer expectations, these companies must undergo a transformation that allows them to embrace innovation and drive meaningful change.

Case Study 1: General Electric

One such company that successfully made this transition is General Electric (GE). Once known for its bureaucratic structure and hierarchical decision-making processes, GE recognized the need to adapt to a more agile and innovative approach in order to stay competitive in the digital age. Under the leadership of CEO Jeff Immelt, GE began to prioritize innovation by investing in research and development, fostering a culture of collaboration and experimentation, and embracing new technologies such as the Internet of Things.

As a result of these efforts, GE was able to launch new products and services that captivated customers and drove revenue growth. For example, GE’s Predix platform, which uses data analytics to improve the performance of industrial equipment, has revolutionized the way companies manage their operations. By embracing a culture of innovation, GE was able to transform itself from a traditional conglomerate into a modern, forward-thinking organization that is leading the way in the digital industrial revolution.

Case Study 2: IBM

Another example of a company that successfully transitioned from a traditional mindset to an innovative culture is IBM. Once known for its focus on hardware and consulting services, IBM faced a decline in revenue as its legacy businesses became increasingly commoditized. In response, CEO Ginni Rometty implemented a strategy to pivot towards higher-growth areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and blockchain.

To foster a culture of innovation within IBM, Rometty encouraged employees to think creatively, take risks, and challenge the status quo. One initiative that emerged from this push for innovation was IBM Watson, a cognitive computing platform that has been used in industries ranging from healthcare to finance. By encouraging experimentation and embracing new technologies, IBM was able to reinvent itself and establish a leadership position in emerging markets.

Conclusion

The transformations of companies like GE and IBM serve as powerful examples of how established organizations can adapt to a rapidly changing business environment by fostering a culture of innovation. By investing in research and development, encouraging collaboration and experimentation, and embracing new technologies, these companies were able to reinvent themselves and drive growth in new markets. As other organizations face similar challenges, they can look to these case studies for inspiration and guidance on how to navigate the path from tradition to innovation.

Bottom line: Futures research is not fortune telling. Futurists use a scientific approach to create their deliverables, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to engage in futures research themselves.

Image credit: Pexels

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Effective Collaboration Strategies for Startups and Small Businesses

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Effective Collaboration Strategies for Startups and Small Businesses

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

Collaboration is a key component of success for startups and small businesses. By working together, teams can achieve greater results and overcome challenges more efficiently. However, collaboration is not always easy to achieve. It requires good communication, trust, and a shared vision. In this article, we will explore some effective collaboration strategies for startups and small businesses, as well as two case studies of successful collaborations.

1. Clear Communication: One of the most important aspects of effective collaboration is clear communication. Teams must be able to communicate their ideas, goals, and concerns openly and honestly. This can help avoid misunderstandings and ensure that everyone is on the same page. Regular team meetings, emails, and project management tools can all help facilitate clear communication within a team.

Case Study 1: Startup A is a small software development company that specializes in creating mobile apps. The team at Startup A struggled with communication, which led to missed deadlines and low morale among team members. To address this issue, the team implemented a daily stand-up meeting where everyone would share their progress, challenges, and goals for the day. This simple change in communication helped the team stay on track and build stronger relationships with each other.

2. Build Trust: Trust is another crucial element of effective collaboration. Team members must trust each other to do their work effectively and have each other’s backs when things get tough. Building trust can take time, but it is essential for a team to function well. Encouraging transparency, respecting each other’s opinions, and celebrating successes together can all help foster trust within a team.

Case Study 2: Small Business B is a marketing agency that works with various clients to create marketing campaigns. The team at Small Business B struggled with trust issues, as team members were often working in silos and not sharing their work with each other. To address this issue, the team implemented a project management tool where all team members could track their progress, share files, and communicate with each other. This improved transparency and collaboration within the team, leading to more successful campaigns and happier clients.

Conclusion: Effective collaboration is essential for startups and small businesses to succeed. By implementing clear communication strategies and building trust within a team, businesses can achieve greater results and overcome challenges more efficiently. The case studies of Startup A and Small Business B demonstrate the positive impact that effective collaboration can have on a team’s success. By prioritizing collaboration, startups and small businesses can create a strong foundation for growth and innovation.

Bottom line: Futurology is not fortune telling. Futurists use a scientific approach to create their deliverables, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to engage in futurology themselves.

Image credit: misterinnovation.com

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The One Movie All Electric Car Designers Should Watch

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Ford Mustang Electric Cobra

by Braden Kelley

In 2011 a Ron Howard comedy was released starring Kevin James, Vince Vaughn, Winona Ryder, Channing Tatum, Jennifer Connelly, and Queen Latifah. The film was called ‘The Dilemma’ and it was a very funny buddy comedy focused on commitment and marital infidelity. But today, we’re focused on one of the subplots that makes ‘The Dilemma’ a movie that every electric car designer should watch. The subplot highlighted a solution to the silent problem with electric vehicles and one of the barriers to widespread adoption.

Vince Vaughn and Kevin James’ characters are best friends and partners in a small auto design firm. The two have recently been given an opportunity to pitch an eco-friendly car to Dodge. One of the main features of this car is that it looks like a muscle car and it sounds like a muscle car, but it’s actually an electric car. Here is a video clip in German that I found on YouTube that shows their sound triumph:

Besides being like large golf carts, electric cars are also INCREDIBLY dangerous to pedestrians and cyclists at low speeds because they’re nearly silent. In addition to being dangerous, electric cars also sound boring.

Electric cars are so dangerous because of their silence, some governments are mandating that they make sounds at least while backing up – you know, those annoying beeping sounds.

Even the cool 1,500 horsepower equivalent electric Ford Mustang Cobra pictured above sounds really boring when it shoots off the line in its promo video going down the drag strip.

Designers, why can’t you implement more interesting, more exhilarating sounds like those in the video before we’re all forced to buy electric vehicles?

They could easily be designed to fade away as the vehicle reaches speeds of around 30 miles per hour and wind and road noise starts to become sufficient to give pedestrians and cyclists a fighting change.

What say you?

Image credit: Slashgear.com

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Sustainable Supply Chains

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From Traceability to Transparency

Sustainable Supply Chains

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

In the era of increased awareness surrounding environmental and social issues, sustainable supply chains have become a key focus for businesses seeking to operate responsibly. As consumers demand greater transparency and accountability from the companies they support, organizations must prioritize the implementation of sustainable practices throughout their supply chain. From traceability to transparency, it is crucial for businesses to ensure that every step of their supply chain is aligned with their values and commitments to sustainability.

One of the key components of a sustainable supply chain is traceability. By tracking the journey of a product from its origin to its final destination, companies can ensure that their products are ethically and sustainably sourced. This not only helps to reduce the risk of environmental and social violations within the supply chain, but also allows companies to address issues such as deforestation, child labor, and unfair labor practices.

A prime example of a company that has successfully implemented traceability within its supply chain is Patagonia. The outdoor apparel company is known for its commitment to sustainability, and has taken significant steps to ensure that its products are produced in an ethical and environmentally responsible manner. By working closely with its suppliers and conducting regular audits, Patagonia has been able to trace the journey of its products from the farm to the factory, and ultimately to the consumer. This level of transparency has not only helped to build trust with customers, but has also positioned Patagonia as a leader in sustainable supply chain practices.

Transparency is another crucial aspect of a sustainable supply chain. By openly sharing information about their sourcing practices, companies can build credibility and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. Transparency also allows companies to identify areas for improvement within their supply chain, and work towards implementing more sustainable practices.

A company that has excelled in promoting transparency within its supply chain is IKEA. The furniture retailer has been transparent about its commitment to sustainability, and has made significant strides in ensuring that its products are produced in an environmentally responsible manner. Through initiatives such as the Better Cotton Initiative and the Forest Stewardship Council certification, IKEA has been able to provide customers with products that are sourced from sustainable materials. By openly sharing information about its sourcing practices and supply chain operations, IKEA has been able to build trust with customers and stakeholders, and position itself as a leader in sustainable supply chain management.

In conclusion, sustainable supply chains are essential for businesses looking to operate responsibly and ethically in today’s world. From traceability to transparency, companies must prioritize the implementation of sustainable practices throughout their supply chain in order to build trust with customers and stakeholders, and demonstrate their commitment to environmental and social responsibility. By following the example of companies such as Patagonia and IKEA, businesses can work towards creating a more sustainable future for all.

Image credit: Pixabay

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Integrating Design Thinking into the Innovation DNA of Organizations

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Integrating Design Thinking into the Innovation DNA of Organizations

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

In today’s fast-paced and competitive business landscape, organizations are constantly seeking ways to stay ahead of the curve and drive innovation. One powerful approach that has gained traction in recent years is design thinking. Originally popularized by design firm IDEO, design thinking is a human-centered approach to problem-solving that emphasizes empathy, ideation, prototyping, and testing.

While design thinking is often associated with the design industry, its principles can be applied across a wide range of industries and disciplines. When organizations integrate design thinking into their innovation processes, they can unlock new opportunities for creativity, collaboration, and customer-centricity.

Case Study 1: Airbnb

One of the most well-known examples of a company that has successfully integrated design thinking into its innovation DNA is Airbnb. Founded in 2008, Airbnb disrupted the hospitality industry by allowing individuals to rent out their homes to travelers. At the core of Airbnb’s success is its commitment to understanding and empathizing with the needs of its users.

By using design thinking principles, Airbnb was able to create a platform that not only meets the functional needs of travelers but also taps into the emotional aspects of travel, such as the desire for unique and authentic experiences. Through prototyping and testing, Airbnb continuously refines its user experience and stays ahead of the competition.

Case Study 2: IBM

Another organization that has embraced design thinking as a key driver of innovation is IBM. In 2012, IBM launched Design Thinking as part of its corporate strategy to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration. By equipping its employees with design thinking tools and methodologies, IBM has been able to transform its product development process and create user-centric solutions.

One of the most notable outcomes of IBM’s integration of design thinking is the development of Watson, its artificial intelligence platform. By applying design thinking principles, IBM was able to create a user-friendly interface for Watson that demystified artificial intelligence for a broader audience and enabled users to easily interact with the technology.

Conclusion

Integrating design thinking into the innovation DNA of organizations can lead to transformative and customer-centric outcomes. By putting empathy at the center of problem-solving, organizations can understand the needs and pain points of their users, leading to more innovative and successful solutions. As demonstrated by Airbnb and IBM, design thinking is not just a design tool – it is a mindset that can drive organizational success in today’s rapidly evolving business environment.

Image credit: Pixabay

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The Power of AI Analytics

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Unleashing Hidden Insights for Enhanced Performance

The Power of AI Analytics

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the way businesses operate in the digital age. One of the most powerful applications of AI technology is in the field of analytics, where advanced algorithms are used to uncover hidden insights and patterns within large datasets. By harnessing the power of AI analytics, organizations can gain a competitive edge by making more informed decisions and optimizing their performance in ways that were previously unimaginable.

Case Study 1: Retail Industry

A leading global retailer was struggling to effectively manage their inventory and optimize their supply chain to meet customer demand. With the help of AI analytics, the company was able to analyze massive amounts of data, including sales figures, pricing trends, and customer purchase history, to predict future demand and adjust their inventory levels accordingly. As a result, the retailer was able to reduce stockouts, minimize overstocking, and increase sales by 15% within the first year of implementing AI analytics. By leveraging hidden insights uncovered through AI technology, the company was able to improve its operations and enhance overall performance.

Case Study 2: Healthcare Industry

A large healthcare provider was facing challenges in efficiently managing patient care and resource allocation across its network of hospitals and clinics. By implementing AI analytics, the organization was able to analyze patient data, including medical history, treatment outcomes, and demographic information, to identify patterns and trends that could improve care delivery. The healthcare provider used this information to optimize staffing levels, streamline workflows, and personalize treatment plans for patients based on their unique needs. As a result, the organization was able to reduce readmission rates, improve patient outcomes, and increase overall efficiency in healthcare delivery.

Conclusion

The power of AI analytics is transforming industries across the globe by unlocking hidden insights and driving enhanced performance. By leveraging advanced algorithms and cutting-edge technology, organizations can harness the full potential of their data to make more informed decisions, optimize processes, and drive innovation. As we continue to navigate the increasingly complex and data-driven business landscape, AI analytics will play a crucial role in shaping the future of organizations and propelling them towards greater success.

Image credit: Pixabay

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Remote Project Management – The Visual Project Charter™

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Remote Project Management - The Visual Project Charter™

The truth is that for most of us project managers, whether we want to admit it or not, the process of creating a project charter is one that we often dread.

We sit there in front of a Microsoft Word template blinking at us on the screen and realize just how much missing or incomplete information we have when we begin typing into the one of the very first, and potentially most important artifacts for any project.

We know we face the sending of a series of emails, follow up emails, follow up to the follow up emails, and maybe even some escalation emails and phone calls just to get the information we need to create the first draft of a project charter. And that’s before we even begin trying to get alignment, buy-in, and sign-off on the document.

Now, add in the challenges of trying to create a project charter when everyone is working remotely and our sacred task of initiating a project doesn’t get any easier.

So, there has never been a better time to leverage the Visual Project Charter™.

The Visual Project Charter™

With online whiteboarding tools like Mural, Miro, LucidSpark and Microsoft Whiteboard you can easily download the Visual Project Charter™ for FREE as a JPEG and upload it as a background to place digital sticky notes on as you collaborate with cross-functional team virtually using Zoom, Cisco WebEx or Microsoft Teams.

Click here to access the PDF poster (35″x56″) and JPEG of the Visual Project Charter™

To help give you a better idea of how easy this is to do and what it might look like, I created the following short six-minute video introduction to the Visual Project Charter™ to show how easy it is to take the JPEG and upload it as a background into online whiteboarding tools like Mural, Miro, LucidSpark or Microsoft Whiteboard where you can place digital sticky notes instead of real ones as you collaborate with cross-functional team virtually using Zoom, Cisco WebEx or Microsoft Teams.

Click here to access the PDF poster (35″x56″) and JPEG of the Visual Project Charter™

Remote Project Management

Whether you download the Visual Project Charter™ PDF and print it as a poster (35″x56″) or use the JPEG in the digital world I’m sure you’ll agree that this a much more visual, collaborative, enjoyable and effective way to gather all of the information to populate your project charter and build the buy-in and alignment necessary to make your project a success!

Here is a step-by-step guide for how to use the Visual Project Charter™ with online whiteboarding tools like Miro, Mural, LucidSpark and Microsoft Whiteboard:

Download the Visual Project Charter™ from this web site

(both JPEG and PDF)

Create a new workspace in your online whiteboarding tool (Miro, Mural, LucidSpark or Microsoft Whiteboard)

Upload the JPEG version of the Visual Project Charter™ to your online whiteboarding tool

MIRO – ‘Upload->My Device’ (left side icons)
MURAL -‘Images->import images’ (left side icons)
LUCIDSPARK – ‘Insert->Images’ (under hamburger menu on the top)
WHITEBOARD – ‘Images->Library Image’ (bottom icons)

Resize the JPEG image after it is added

Lock the JPEG image down so people can’t move it around when placing their sticky notes

Create work areas around the Visual Project Charter™ to give you larger, targeted areas to work (if desired)

Plan and execute your cross-functional team meeting to populate the Visual Project Charter™ via Zoom or Cisco WebEx or Microsoft teams when the workspace is built

Have fun!

Use the results of your Visual Project Charter™ session to create a traditional project charter and route it for signatures

I’m sure you’ll get a lot of value out of the Visual Project Charter™, especially when using it as part of your remote project management best practices.

And, if you like the Visual Project Charter™, you will LOVE the Change Planning Toolkit™ and should definitely pick up copies of my books:

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Innovative Employee Recognition Programs

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Going Beyond Traditional Rewards

Innovative Employee Recognition Programs

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

Employee recognition is a key component of fostering a positive workplace culture and driving employee engagement. While traditional rewards such as bonuses and gift cards are commonly used to recognize and reward employees, there is a growing trend towards more innovative and personalized recognition programs.

Companies that are truly invested in recognizing the hard work and dedication of their employees understand the importance of going beyond traditional rewards to create meaningful and lasting experiences that not only motivate employees but also foster a sense of belonging and appreciation. In this thought leadership article, we will explore two case studies of companies that have implemented innovative employee recognition programs with great success.

Case Study 1: Google’s Peer Bonus Program

Google is known for its innovative workplace culture, and its peer bonus program is no exception. Instead of relying solely on monetary rewards, Google gives employees the opportunity to nominate their peers for a bonus based on their contributions to the company. This program not only recognizes employees for their hard work but also fosters a culture of appreciation and collaboration.

Employees at Google have the opportunity to nominate their peers for a bonus of up to $1,000, which is awarded based on the impact of their work on the company. This not only incentivizes employees to go above and beyond in their roles but also creates a sense of camaraderie and support among team members.

Case Study 2: Salesforce’s Thank-You Economy

Salesforce, a leading customer relationship management company, takes employee recognition to the next level with its Thank-You Economy program. This program is centered around the idea of gratitude and appreciation, with employees encouraged to express their thanks to their colleagues in meaningful ways.

One unique aspect of Salesforce’s Thank-You Economy program is its emphasis on peer-to-peer recognition. Employees are given a platform to publicly recognize their colleagues for their contributions, whether it be a job well done on a project or going above and beyond to help a team member. This not only boosts employee morale but also reinforces a culture of appreciation and support within the company.

Conclusion

Traditional rewards are no longer enough to truly recognize and motivate employees. Companies that are committed to fostering a positive workplace culture and driving employee engagement are turning to innovative recognition programs that go beyond monetary rewards to create meaningful and personalized experiences for their employees. By implementing programs such as Google’s peer bonus program and Salesforce’s Thank-You Economy, companies can create a culture of appreciation and support that not only motivates employees but also strengthens team dynamics and drives organizational success.

Image credit: Pixabay

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The Role of Precision Medicine in Personalizing Healthcare Treatment

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The Role of Precision Medicine in Personalizing Healthcare Treatment

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

In the evolving landscape of healthcare, precision medicine stands out as a beacon of hope for individualized treatment strategies. By integrating clinical and molecular information, precision medicine tailors healthcare to the unique genetic makeup of each patient, offering a more accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment plan.

Case Study 1: Oncology and Genomic Profiling

Jane, a 54-year-old woman, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Traditional chemotherapy had limited effect, and her prognosis was poor. However, genomic profiling of her tumor revealed a specific mutation that was targetable by a new, experimental drug. Enrolled in a clinical trial, Jane received the personalized medication, which significantly reduced her tumor size and improved her quality of life. This case underscores the power of precision medicine in identifying effective treatments for patients who might otherwise have limited options.

Case Study 2: Pharmacogenomics and Mental Health

John, a 30-year-old man, struggled with severe depression and had tried multiple antidepressants with no success. Through pharmacogenomic testing, his healthcare provider discovered that John had a genetic variation affecting his metabolism of certain medications. With this insight, John was prescribed a different class of antidepressant tailored to his genetic profile. The result was a dramatic improvement in his symptoms, demonstrating how precision medicine can optimize medication selection and dosing for better outcomes.

Conclusion

Precision medicine is not a distant dream but a rapidly advancing reality. It holds the promise of revolutionizing healthcare by making treatment as unique as the patients themselves. As we continue to unravel the human genome and harness the power of data analytics, the potential for personalized healthcare becomes increasingly tangible. With each successful case study, we move closer to a future where every patient can receive care that is precisely calibrated to their individual needs.

These case studies illustrate the profound impact that precision medicine can have on patient care. By leveraging advanced technologies and personalized data, healthcare providers can offer treatments that are more effective and less invasive, leading to better patient outcomes and a brighter future for medicine.

Image credit: Pixabay

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Start 2021 with a Free Innovation Audit

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Free Innovation Audit Now in Portuguese or English

Are you struggling to identify why your innovation efforts are failing to achieve their desired results?

Identify your areas of opportunity with my FREE 50 question audit in one of two ways:

1. Get immediate feedback with the online version

2. Download the Microsoft Excel worksheet (in English or Portuguese)

have people across your organization fill it out and collate your results
OR purchase the Innovation Diagnostic Service for my help setting up a study and analyzing results

The innovation audit is most powerful when answers are gathered at multiple levels of the organization across several groups and several sites.

I created my FREE Innovation Audit for buyers of my first book Stoking Your Innovation Bonfire, but it’s now available for global use.

NOTE: If you’d like to translate the audit into another language, please contact me.

In addition to helping you identify areas of potential improvement and the strengths/weaknesses of your innovation culture, it will also help you see your level of innovation maturity.

Innovation Maturity Model

Image adapted from the book Innovation Tournaments by Christian Terwiesch and Karl Ulrich

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Human-Centered Change and Innovation

Innovation, change and transformation thought leadership, lovingly curated by Braden Kelley

From Traditional to Innovative

Transforming Established Organizations

Case Study 1: General Electric

Case Study 2: IBM

Conclusion

Effective Collaboration Strategies for Startups and Small Businesses

The One Movie All Electric Car Designers Should Watch

Sustainable Supply Chains

From Traceability to Transparency

Integrating Design Thinking into the Innovation DNA of Organizations

Case Study 1: Airbnb

Case Study 2: IBM

Conclusion

The Power of AI Analytics

Unleashing Hidden Insights for Enhanced Performance

Case Study 1: Retail Industry

Case Study 2: Healthcare Industry

Conclusion

Remote Project Management – The Visual Project Charter™

The Visual Project Charter™

Remote Project Management

Innovative Employee Recognition Programs

Going Beyond Traditional Rewards

Case Study 1: Google’s Peer Bonus Program

Case Study 2: Salesforce’s Thank-You Economy

Conclusion

The Role of Precision Medicine in Personalizing Healthcare Treatment

Case Study 1: Oncology and Genomic Profiling

Case Study 2: Pharmacogenomics and Mental Health

Conclusion

Start 2021 with a Free Innovation Audit