Thursday, June 30, 2011

Innnovation Quiz

Innovative leaders get out and proactively seek insight from their people about customer feedback, trend patterns and other critical organizational topics. They also have to allow a sense of autonomy within the ranks in order to encourage ownership of job responsibilities. This kind of autonomy allows for, among other benefits, a full- picture perspective of customer sentiment and loyalty to emerge.

How up to speed are you on the innovative ways of companies and high-profile leaders present and past? Take this quiz and find out.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Innovation Killers to Avoid

A lot of things can go wrong on the long journey between the birth of an innovative idea and its actual implementation. Potential breakthroughs fail for many reasons, with even worthy concepts falling victim to the hazards of the development process, a situation that is all the more perilous in this era of stripped-to-the-bone budgets and thin staffs.

The pitfalls for innovation are more likely the result of bad planning than a lack of creativity. There can be a failure to appreciate communications skills, or confusion about what exactly innovation is. In the end, a successful outcome is as much about people as it is intellectual brilliance.

Here are eight innovation killers to avoid:

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Are you Engaged?

Only 3 of 10 employees are engaged by their work, according to industry research. While prospects of a future downsizing can certainly act as one type of motivation, workers need more than the threat of a pink slip to feel emotionally committed to company objectives. This is especially true when they’re asked to take on added duties without additional compensation and/or career advancement.

Here are five innovative leadership best practices to keep people engaged by their work:

Monday, June 27, 2011

Two Factors Essential to Leadership Success

David Gergen, author of Eyewitness to Power, The Essence of Leadership Nixon to Clinton, a superb study of presidential power, is correct that the measure of a leader is the willingness to confront problems and seek solutions. That comes down to two factors that are essential to leadership success: