LEADERSHIP: EDISON NEVER STOPPED TINKERING

New ways often bring new words; or reinvigorate old ones.  "Betterment" is a case of the latter - and something every leader must deliver.  A strategic rethink may set a whole new direction for your business.  However, between these major shifts, there's lots of room for innovation and upgrades.  That's betterment.

Two years ago, a friend showed me her iPod.  A year later, I went to buy one.  But, was faced with all sorts of new models with different capacities, functions and styles.  I bought a "nano."  It's pretty fancy and holds thousands of songs.  But wait another year and it'll probably be out of date.  That again is betterment.

Would your customers and staff say your organisation is like Apple?  Or, behind the curve: stuck with old products and old ways?  What would competitors say?  Do they watch you or ignore you?  And, what about your role?  Ask yourself some questions!

What can I do to encourage innovation?  Do I give people space to question how things are done?  Do I listen to new ideas?  Do I let people tinker?  Do I reward creativity?  What innovations have I initiated or backed this year?

Consumers and business buyers expect new models, which are quicker, smarter, sleeker – and cheaper.  In countries across the world, vendors recognise that performance and cost can differentiate their products or services, and drive sales.

Of the hundreds of businesses I've consulted to, many exhibited innovation.  But, mostly it was only evident in parts of the organisation.  Why?  Because, only some leaders had the courage for openness, questioning and testing everything.

And, even good leaders seldom focus broadly enough on innovation - addressing opportunities across not only products and services but also operations and processes and also their business model.  Today, all three dimensions need attention.

Innovate!

Categories for this Potshot:

Embed innovation, Foster learning and reinventing, Drive strategic rethink, Understand your marketplace, Career planning,

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