The business enterprise has two, and only two, basic functions: marketing
and innovation. It is not necessary for a business to grow bigger; but it is
necessary that it constantly grow better. – Peter Drucker

An enterprise that does not innovate will not survive long. And management that
does not learn to innovate and foster creativity will not last long.

Business leaders must revamp how they think about innovation. Innovation and
creativity are far less mysterious than previously thought. They are a matter of
taking developed ideas and applying them in new situations.

People will be most creative when they feel motivated by the work itself. When
people are engaged because of their own natural interest and satisfaction in
their work, they will be challenged to be creative through their own intrinsic
motivation.

The paradox of success is that when things are going well there’s no need to
change. Innovation needs to begin before a need is felt.

Cognitive psychologists have shown that the biggest hurdle to solving problems
often isn’t ignorance, it’s access to the right information at the right time.
Information sharing within big organizations is not easy due to geographic
distances, political squabbles, internal competition and bad incentive systems
that hinder the spread of ideas.

Above all, innovation is work rather than genius. It requires knowledge,
ingenuity and focus. Without diligence, persistence and commitment, all the
talent, ingenuity and knowledge are to no avail.

Foremost among life’s teaching is the recognition that humans possess the
capability to deal with complexity and interconnection. Human creativity and
commitment are our greatest resources. -Margaret Wheatley

Important Concepts covered in the full 2,200-word article:

Six managerial Practices that Enhance Creativity
Meaning is the Key to Engaging Creativity
Negativity is the True Enemy of Creativity
Taking the Mystery out of Innovation
Seven Sources of New Ideas
Creating an Idea Factory: Lessons from Edison
Resources on Innovating and Creativity

Here is the order link for this article with full reprint rights. You can use
this article as your own in your newsletters, ezines and marketing materials.

To purchase the full 2,000-word article in text version with reprint rights,
$79.00, click HERE.

All word lengths are approximate.

Is your organization looking forward, or is it focused on the problems of the
present and immediate short-term competition?

Will your organization create new rules of competition in the future? Is it
imagining new ways of doing business, building new capabilities, and setting new
standards of customer satisfaction? Is it alert to possible risks from
unconventional rivals, new business models, changing demographics, and global
opportunities and uncertainties?

It is no longer a question of being able to operate lean and mean. Trimming jobs
and cutting costs, while important tasks, will not put you and your company into
a front running position for industry leadership of the future.

Looking at the Wrong Things

According to Hamel and Prahalad, “Any company that succeeds at restructuring and
reengineering, but fails to create the markets of the future, will find itself
on a treadmill, trying to keep one step ahead of the steadily declining margins
and profits of yesterday’s business.”

Keys to Creating Success for the Future

Value-building companies that find creative ways to address broad social
concerns and who cooperate with interest groups may be better positioned for
future success than those with a single-minded pursuit of the bottom line.

Focusing time and energy to creatively evaluate potential risks and
opportunities is the key to creating and maintaining a successful future for
your organization.

This is a synopsis of the full 2,000-word article which contains the following
concepts:

Why Leaders Don’t Look Ahead
Looking at the Wrong Things
Risks and Opportunities in an Uncertain World
Five Drivers of Change
Keys to Creating Success for the Future
Futurist Thinking

Here are the order links for this article with full reprint rights. You can use
this article as your own in your newsletters, ezines and marketing materials.

a. Text, 2000-word Article with Full Reprint Rights $79. To order click HERE.

b. Text, 1,000 word article full reprint rights $57. To order, click HERE.

All word lengths are approximate.