When looking for solutions to your problems, it seems logical to turn to best practices for answers. But what if best practices are stupid? What if they are not the key to innovation or problem-solving and may lead you down the wrong path? In this episode, we explore three reasons why best practices may be […]
In today’s episode, we explore how concepts from linguistics can impact innovation. In particular, we dive into the distinction between surface structure and deep structure. Understanding these concepts will help you be better at strategic alignment, innovation, and problem-solving. We first define surface structure (the words used to convey a meaning) and deep structure (the […]
In this episode, we first explore a myth of productivity. Although most organizations are busier than ever and they want to “do more with less,” this is often the opposite of what is effective. Instead you want to “do less, get more.” Focus on the leverage points of your business and you will get greater […]
In today’s episode, we explore how changing just one word in a problem statement can unleash an entirely new range of possible solutions – including new business models. We explore 3 lenses in particular: #15: SUBSTITUTE – change a word, including but not limited to synonyms. #10: HYPERNYM – use a word that is less […]
Today’s episode is about a topic that is one of my favorites. During the pandemic, everyone keeps asking me, “How are you going to pivot your business?” My response is, “I’m not. I’m going to DIVOT.” What does it mean to divot? It means to go deeper into what you already do. Instead of changing […]
Here is the rough transcription for Episode 14 of the Invisible Solutions podcast. It’s not perfect, but if you prefer reading vs listening, this is the way to go. Enjoy! *** Don’t Pivot; Divot! What if pivoting is the wrong strategy for your organization right now? Welcome to Invisible Solutions. I’m your host, Stephen Shapiro. Each […]
What if a great way to find better solutions is to look for terrible ideas? This is lens #20 from Invisible Solutions. In this episode, I share several examples of how seemingly bad ideas become great ideas. For example, you will learn how firing all of the safety inspectors led to higher safety levels. Also, […]
Everyone loves brainstorming. Right? Unfortunately, the way most teams run their sessions is ineffective and inefficient. But what if there is a better way? In todays’ episode, I explore the 5 problems associated with traditional brainstorming. For each, I give you a better way that will help improve every session. Doing this will move them […]
Here is the transcription for Episode 11 of the Invisible Solutions podcast. It’s not perfect, but if you prefer reading vs listening, this is the way to go. Enjoy! *** What if all problems are equal yet, some are more equal than others? Welcome to Invisible Solutions. I’m your host, Stephen Shapiro. Each week, we […]
In Episode 9, I briefly talked about differentiation and why it is an important part of innovation. In this episode we do an even deeper dive into the topic. And in particular I share my Innovation Targeting Matrix. The premise is that there are three levels of activities/opportunities – and they aren’t all equal. When […]
