What’s something big business really needs to focus on to be more innovative? It’s readily apparent at nearly every large business. Big businesses struggle with innovation. They also struggle with process. And just as commonly, they struggle with collaboration across organizational boundaries, i.e., silos. These issues are interrelated. So is the solution to them. Simplify […]
We can learn a lot about innovation from the game of golf. Did you know in golf one of the most important things to do really well is the set-up? If you don’t set up correctly to hit the ball –club selection, grip, stance, balance, direction, mentality, etc.– it won’t matter how talented you are, […]
The 2015 ThinkPoints™ transformation survey results are in. People from over 25 industries responded (Thank You!). Everyone from individual contributor to CEO or Founder had an opportunity to weigh in. The information is fantastic! There were good surprises (86% of organizations have a clear and compelling purpose) as well as some serious work to do (only […]
Last week (July 23, 2015) ThinkWay opened up its transformation database to include everyone in our contact network. The results were very strong and much appreciated. If you haven’t filled out the survey, you can find it here. Please fill it out before peeking at the early results! Here are some of the early findings: […]
Indra Nooyi, Chairman & CEO of Pepsi, shared in a recent article they’ve spent the last eight years “overhauling” their approach to innovation. They’ve changed organizational structure, front-end methodologies, process (stage-gate), performance monitoring, investment (up 40%), design capabilities, and the approach for developing markets. All that time and effort increased new product contribution to 9% […]
Some years ago I was asked to take a look at whether or not Kraft should divest a particular manufacturing operation. The operation was on the supplier end of the value chain and senior management was not favorably inclined to being that vertically integrated, especially considering the slim margins, and wanted to sell it. I […]
Some people are just more naturally creative, more innovative. We all know this to be true. But there’s good news for the innovatively-challenged: everyone can cultivate five virtues to lead innovation. Integrity – It turns out this is the key to building trust. And trust is essential for employees to feel ok with vulnerability: a prerequisite to sharing […]
So, you’ve got an initiative like lean or six sigma up and running –check. You’ve seen some tangible benefits –check. While it has been harder than expected, you’re still moving forward –check. Senior management just increased your goals well beyond your capabilities –check… whoa, what? Although the debate continues to rage around the various benefits […]
Here’s a sobering reality: ten years from now 70% of the Fortune 1000 will no longer be on the list. Which also means, at some point, the vast majority of businesses will be confronted with the need to restructure or transform themselves in a profound way. And even though the thinking is flawed, most will follow […]
There are a lot of similarities between many of the companies I’ve worked with over the last 30 years. I really like them and the people I’ve work with. Many have iconic brands that dominate their respective categories and are considered leaders in their industries. But some have epic struggles going on to regain that leadership. […]
