In the dynamic landscape of modern business, creativity is often heralded as the linchpin of innovation and progress. It’s the magical ingredient that differentiates the ordinary from the extraordinary, leading to breakthrough products, services, and strategies. However, not all organizational cultures foster this vital component. At the heart of such stifling environments, more often than not, lie controlling leaders.
Category Archives: Creativity
Jeff Bezos on Two Different Kinds of Failure
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, has often spoken about the nature of failure and innovation, especially in the context of his own company’s journey. He distinguishes between two different types of failure: “experimental” failures and “operational” failures.
The Double-Edged Sword: How Compromise Can Stifle Innovation
In the bustling hallways of business, a commonly heard word is “compromise.” Heralded as a necessary tool for successful collaboration, it’s often the bridge that connects differing opinions, resolving conflicts and smoothing out rough patches. But while compromise has its merits, particularly in team dynamics, it can cast a long and ominous shadow on the sacred ground of innovation.
12 Methods for Overcoming the Illusion of Expertise to Drive Innovation
In my last post, I wrote about how experience, expertise, is an enemy of innovation. The illusion of expertise, where years of experience create a mental roadblock to new ideas, can significantly hamper innovation. It doesn’t just apply to people but to groups; called groupthink, which is expert thinking on steroids!
Why Experience Can Be the Enemy of Innovation
“How come we’ve never heard of you? Everyone who works here has been in the industry for at least 25 years.” I was told this earlier this year by a VP of a company I consulted for. I sensed some hostility from his comment. Of course, I was brought in to help shake things up precisely because this company has been doing business the same way they’ve always done it.
12 Habits of People Who Are Always Learning New Skills
I’m a lifelong learner. Learning is a habit for me, not something that I have scheduled on my calendar to do; I just do it. One of my mottos is “If I’m not learning I’m not growing.” How do you become a lifelong learner? You learn from other learners. Specifically, learn about their habits.
Focusing Your Energy: Finding Your Natural Thrive Zone
Where do you thrive? Some people thrive under pressure, others don’t. Personally, I like the intensity of pressure and uncertainty; I naturally look to put myself in those situations. And, when I was younger I thought everyone else should too. But, it doesn’t work that way. Some of us thrive in situations where we have to turn shit into sugar while others don’t.