Innovation Insights
by Stephen Shapiro
Although we’ve been told that goals are the key to success, what if goal-setting actually reduces performance? Many years back, I worked with a Formula One racing team. At that time, pit crews consisted of
When you are on autopilot, you are highly efficient. But when the rules change around you, this can lead to disaster…. I lived in London for several years. Before moving to England, I considered myself
Advances in 3D printing will revolutionize manufacturing and the supply chain… Imagine you are an executive at UPS. What market shifts would keep you up at night? Maybe it’s the fact the Amazon.com announced they
Sometimes the best way to learn innovative approaches to innovation is to read something completely different… If you want to be a better innovator, there are hundreds (maybe thousands) of great books on the topic.
Don’t ask for great ideas only when brainstorming solutions to challenging problems… When brainstorming, we typically ask people to give us their best ideas. But what if the path to finding great ideas is to
You can create an environment where everyone can contribute to your company’s innovation efforts… How do you structure your innovation teams? If you are like most companies, you put your most creative people in a
Most of the work you do is not important and in fact slows you down… My first real job was working for a large computer manufacturer in their production control department. After two months there,
All the skills that make a magician great also apply to ambitious entrepreneurs. Do you have what it takes? I’ve always loved magic. For me, it went beyond entertainment; it was an intellectual endeavor. I
The questions you ask may not be helping you learn anything new… Imagine this scenario: A woman walks into a hardware store. She can buy 6 for $6, 12 for $12, or 24 for $12.
Just because your personality test seems accurate, doesn’t mean it is…. Many years back, while working with a client, I was asked to take a written personality test that was required for all executives in
Contrary to conventional wisdom, opposites don’t attract–and this is bad for innovation…. I remember speaking with a recruiter who once turned down a candidate I had recommended. I asked why and was told, “He didn’t
To gather real insights, you want stories, not surveys… Many years ago, I gave a 90-minute speech to 400 non-military researchers at the US Air Force. These scientists create planes and weapons for our military.
Bring Stephen's Innovation Insights To Your Next Event!
