Innovation Cycle, Rhythm & Cadence

Organizations in their early years of formalizing innovation often see it as a special initiative led by a temporary cross-functional team. Truly innovative organizations view innovation in a different way, one that provides an ongoing stream of opportunities.

Value Dimension Mapping

Bringing together 10 or 100+ people from marketing, technology, R&D, business development and sales can be a challenge. There is tremendous opportunity for conflict, squabbling, back-pedaling and time wasting. Learn one of our tricks that we use to prepare for major innovation meetings to help ensure we get each group on the same page and create a usable result.

Innovation Stages Map

Have you ever wondered what process you should use for the front-end of your innovation program? There have been many processes described over the years that all share a common sequence. See how your favorite innovation methodology compares to others.

The Expert's Dilemma

Why do upstart organizations with little money and resources outperform the Fortune 500 in producing new-to-market ideas and solutions? Strangely enough, the availability of world-class experts and financial resources may be doing more to stifle innovation than it is to making breakthrough progress.

Forgiveness – a critical element of innovation team success

Working on fast-paced innovation teams with a diverse group of energetic people is a recipe for healthy debate which can sometimes lead to conflict, anger and frustration. Knowing that this is a normal part of high-performance teams, it is essential that each member have a working knowledge of how to apologize and forgive. Teams unable to manage personal discrepancies are seldom capable of mustering the energy to manage technical and market challenges.

Innovation Governance Ownership

Who owns innovation in your company? In this blog post, we reflect on the fact that “how” innovation is owned is more important than “who” owns the innovation title.

Marketing & Engineering

Oil and water, Yankees fans and Red Sox fans; some things never get along that easily. Successful innovation, however, requires the contribution of a variety of skills, ideas, knowledge and capabilities. In this blog post, we reflect on the need for 3 foundational skills that are shared by high performing teams.

The Paradox of Seeds

How can we learn from nature to ensure our short term survival while we invest in long term growth and sustainability?

Open Innovation slide deck

Contact us to request a slide set on open innovation methods and approaches.