Jazz, Improvisation and Innovation

What do jazz and innovation have in common? Quite a bit. Many years ago, in 24/7 Innovation, I wrote.. “Most businesses are run like classical symphonies – long, with elaborate compositions (detailed workflows) that leave little room for interpretation. Employees are expected to follow these compositions rote. “Unfortunately, by the time they learn the score, […]

Gossip Stoppers

My friend April Callis just published a nice spiral-bound book entitled “Gossip Stoppers: 101 Insights to Stop Gossip.”  Although I don’t think it is available yet for purchase, I wanted to share two of the quotes. Half the world is composed of people who have something to say but can’t, and the other half of […]

What Innovators Can Learn From Poetry

Last night I attended a book launch party to honor Elizabeth Alexander, the poet who spoke at Obama’s inauguration. After some opening remarks, she read her inaugural poem, “Praise Song for the Day.” After her reading, she took questions from the audience of over 100 people. The question (and response) that struck a chord with […]

Climate for Innovation On the Rise

According to a recent study by Chuck Frey at innovationtools.com, 47% of companies say that the climate for innovation has “improved slightly or significantly” since the onset of the global recession.  In fact, only a quarter of the respondents felt that the climate for innovation has deteriorated. Surprisingly, only one third of the companies say […]

Measure Innovation NOT InnovationS

Measuring innovation is very different than measuring innovationS (“s” capitalized for emphasis). Let me explain. In our goal-obsessed society, we want to measure everything that moves. In doing so, we feel as though it gives us a grasp of the real world. But is this true? Do measures really provide a lens into reality? A […]

The Updated Innovation Bell Curve

In a previous blog entry on the innovation bell curve, I presented a bimodal distribution curve rather than a bell curve.  I did this because I wanted to clearly show the contrast between the existing model and the emerging model.  I also did this because I am “graphically challenged” and I could not find a […]

Is Your Organization Anorexic?

The President of a $1 billion company once asked me to describe his organization in one word. My response? “Anorexic.” The Vice Presidents who sat around the table nodded in agreement.  They assumed that I meant there was no fat left to cut.  That is not what I meant. Anorexics often have relatively “high” body […]

Truck Accident Leads to Creative Ideas?

Today, while driving to New York, I sat in traffic for 30 minutes.  Why?  Because of the freakiest accident I have EVER seen in my life.  The pictures below have to be seen to be believed.  Click on the smaller version of each picture to see a blown up version.  Look at them one at […]

Jefferson Loved Books Not Banks

Here is something courtesy of Barry Kibrick, host of the PBS TV show, “Between the Lines.”  I was on his show a few years ago with my Goal-Free Living book.  Barry is one of the best interviewers on television. 200 years ago today (March 3), Thomas Jefferson spent his last day in office as President. […]

Starbucks Fights Back

In my previous blog entry, I discussed the struggles of Starbucks and how the innovation bell curve predicted this. Their early response to increased pressure from McDonald’s and Dunkin’ Donuts was to reduce prices by bundling. Not a good move. The other day they announced their new instant coffee. Their press release describes VIA™ as […]