Category — Innovation for everyone

I couldn’t possibly better Seth Godin’s post this week, “Where do you look for ideas”. So here’s the link. [Read more →]

Here’s another good one for decision making – letting something else make the decision for you.

I recommend you only use it for less crucial decisions. There’s a fair chance the boss, the board, your partner etc will not go for, “but that’s the answer I got when I pulled it out of the hat!” when it comes to buying a house, relocating, spending millions of dollars of company money or choosing staff.

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Whether you are caught up in “paralysis by analysis” or simply procrastinating, sometimes the best way to overcome making a decision or moving forward is to get something done.

It may not be perfect, or fit in with your overarching strategic plans, but the simple of act of acting will help you regain confidence and may even help you find the direction you seek. [Read more →]

Is your head full of stuff that is cluttering up your thinking? Time to get it all down on paper.

Although obvious, mind maps are a great way of doing this – there’s no need to use fancy software or to draw pretty pictures if it’s not your style. Just start with the problem or issue in the middle and go from there. Mind mapping can be used for just about any problem, from project management and new product development  to writing a “to do” list – seriously, I have a friend who does this! [Read more →]

This one is mainly for designers, who often need to look at things in a new way as part of the creative process. But if you take it a little less literally, I’m sure it can work with other applications.

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Need to get back in touch with your customers? Create customer profiles. Do it on paper or digitally, but do it.

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Looking for some completely random input to help you solve a problem, generate ideas or get inspired? Try going into Twitter and looking up words and themes vaguely related.

The universe, or in this case, cyberspace will surely provide.

If you’re trying to find a solution to a problem, particularly a creativity or product development one, look no further than the nearest munchkin… providing they can talk and think a bit. [Read more →]

First, let me clear something up. This is not an instruction to leave your desk right this moment and head for the bush, although if this sounds really good, mark a weekend in your calendar and book a well-earned escape.

No, this is more immediate.

During your lunchtime, go to the nearest park or whatever other greenery you can find (go to maps.google.com if you’re not sure where it is) and spend a little time getting back to basics. [Read more →]

I have always found that a good way to start a New Year is with a clean desk, sorted files and emails and a good organising system. It makes me feel fresh and ready for anything.

Of course, as the weeks go by and life speeds up again, things slowly build up and old habits creep in. And usually, creativity and energy suffer. [Read more →]