Adaptation is Necessary for Survival
Change is natural, normal…and difficult. It is necessary for survival of species and it is necessary for the competitiveness of businesses. Yet many organizations are set up to perpetuate processes that are in complete opposition to this principle. The very practices that support predictability and consistency and keep the organization stable are often the same ones that undermine nimbleness and innovation. Our course begins with an exploration of the natural tensions that exist in these areas in all business, and looks at why we must change to survive.
It’s not About “Eureka”; it’s About Daily Improvement
The definition of meaningful innovation is something that adds value. Being innovative isn’t about any breakthrough single idea or about hiring geniuses. It’s about setting up processes that support a learning organization that consistently creates improvements. It’s about finding a better way every day. This focus on daily improvement is a healthier approach to building a culture of innovation that, when properly leverage, can lead to the creation of meaningful competitive advantage.
Five Things that Slow Organizations Down (and what you can do to Avoid Them)
This section of our course examines five behaviors that can undermine any organization. (1) Overly complex org charts and bureaucracy (2) Lack of candor (3) Arrogance/Ignorance (especially from market leaders) (4) Territorialism (5) Complacency. It looks at the causes of these and, more importantly, what you can do to put an end to them.
Best Practices and New Ideas are Everywhere (If You Know how to Look)
Some of the most powerful and innovative ideas for improvement come from businesses that have looked outside their own industries and adopted practices from other sectors. This section of our course presents a systematic method to get your observation skills fine-tuned and actually go looking for new ideas rather than waiting for them to come to you.
Thinking (and Acting) Like an Entrepreneur
Can business leaders in larger organizations think and act like entrepreneurs and start-up operators? The answer is yes. More than that – they must. In this section of our course, Jack reviews the dynamics and practices that drive entrepreneurs forward and explores how these can be channeled to revitalize mature businesses.
When does Agility Become a Distraction?
Understanding the difference between agility and lack of focus is essential if your business in going to win. Many leaders confuse the two and find themselves constantly chasing the latest market move in an attempt to be current. Managers and leaders must strike the balance between pursuing innovation that is on-mission and changes that redefine the mission. It’s not that the latter is always wrong, but if undertaken without proper focus, it can lead to disastrous consequences.
