Innovation Weblog

A metaphor as a creative 'bridge'

Val Vadeboncoeur, writing in The Heart of Innovation Blog, takes a fascinating look at metaphors, and what makes them so powerful. Did you know that the root meaning of the word "metaphor" means to "transfer" or "carry over?" In other words, it's sort of a "thought bridge" that connects images with meaning, right brain with left brain. Metaphors are powerful creative thinking tools, and I strongly urge you to utilize them to gain new perspectives on your challenges and ideas.

In a more practical sense, metaphor help us to structure what we think, hear, say and do, which makes them powerful tools for connecting with the deepest needs and wants of your target customers. See Val's thought-provoking post for more details! 

New continuous innovation model helps organizations understand how to make innovation sustainable

Paul Williams, author of the Think for a Change Blog, recently announced the availability of a new Continuous Innovation Model, which helps executives to better understand how to make innovation more successful and repeatable. Many executives are looking for one model, process, tool, technique or best practice guide that will help them to catalyze their innovation programs and drive success. But, as Paul explains, continuous innovation can only be achieved by the right combination of these elements:

"Innovative companies understand that individual or special programs such as continuous improvement, brainstorming sessions or creativity training do not make the organization innovative. Rather, the collection or portfolio of these initiatives, wrapped within a well supported climate of innovation, results in an organization loaded with skilled and passionate people who strive to make innovation a part of their daily mind set," he explains.

This model, which is depicted as a loop, depicts a set of processes, tactics and assessments that will increase your odds of getting your innovation management program started in the right direction. This looks like a worthwhile model. What do you think? Please share your thoughts in the comments section of this post.

Selling top management on innovation: Are you ready to handle objections?

If you've ever done sales, then you realize that the real selling process begins after the first "no" from your prospect. In other words, you must be prepared to counter your prospect's objections to the sale. James Todhunter, writing in his Innovating to Win blog, reminds us that as innovators, we're very likely to encounter "no" when pitching our innovation initiatives to our company's leadership.

In this thought-provoking post, Jim lays out four common objections, and the counter-arguments for innovation:

• "No, we don’t have the budget to pursue your idea."
• "No, I can’t justify the expenditure."
• "No, it simply can’t be done."
• No, this is the way it’s always been done. Why change?"

This is definitely a topic that is worthy of further exploration and discussion. I suspect that most innovation managers need training in how to handle objections - or at least how to package their innovation proposals to increase their odds of success!

The Parable of a Beautiful Town inspires with advice on how to cultivate ideas and innovations

Steve Swann, author of the ThinkingHow blog, has written a marvelous little story called The Parable of the Beautiful Town that is an allegory to the way in which many successful companies tend to lose their way - they forget that the basis of their current success is largely due to previous ideas and innovations, and cut make indiscriminate cutbacks that harm their future success.

This story isn't all doom and gloom, however - it actually ends on a hopeful and inspiring note, with the mayor and the townspeople once again finding their way back to success. (I don't want to spoil your experience of this terrific parable, so I'll stop here and let you read The Parable of the Beautiful Town).

Unique innovation strategy: Swap employees to spur learning, innovation

According to this recent announcement on PRWeb, Google and Proctor & Gamble have bwwn conducting a unique innovation experiment that's worthy of your attention: Starting in January 2008, they swapped approximately 20 employees, so they can learn each other’s tricks in targeting consumers. They discovered that there was much to be learned from each other, which is detailed in the news release. The two brand leaders call it a new phase in open innovation - the practice of seeking ideas and innovation outside your organization's walls.

What do you think of this idea? Please share your thoughts in the comments area below this post.

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