Obviously, a new service is not the same as a new product. Yet, explaining the difference between a product and a service is not always that straightforward. Does McDonald deliver services? Is AmazonWebServices a service organization? Nowadays, the distinction between services and products becomes more and more blurred. However, that does not make that service […]
What is innovation management? The easiest way to explain what innovation management is, is by stating what it is not: Leaving the future of your organization up to chance. Innovation management is the process to ensure you get where you want to be in the (near) future. That also explains why innovation management matters.
The best option to predict the success of an innovation project is a crystal ball that allows you to see the future. In absence of such a ball, the second-best option is making the start of your innovation project count. A good beginning makes a good ending – that is certainly true for innovation projects!
Lawyers, clinicians, engineers and other professionals have a few things in common. They are all smart, busy, and have super specialized jobs. What they also have in common is that their services need modernizing. That is, they need to incorporate new technologies and service models that clients have come to expect in the 21-st century. […]
Are you afraid of taxi drivers? What about their dirty cabs, the lack of clarity about the price, and their often lousy knowledge of the local roads and traffic? Why I ask? Taxi driver as a profession Being a taxi driver used to be a profession. In London for example, “taxi drivers go through stringent […]
In a recent survey, we had anonymous respondents write comments in the line of “innovation training does not work”. I wondered what they meant, besides not getting the results from innovation training that they expected. Is innovation training a waste of time?
There is a rapidly widening gap between what is technologically possible and how professionals practice their profession. This gap exists, because for each new technological advance, a high level of analysis and review is needed before lawyers, physicians, or other professionals can implement it. This prudent approach is causing a growing tension, that after 50 […]
Are you a Do It Yourself (DIY) Innovator? Either by choice or by necessity? No worries, we have you covered. For each of the steps of the innovation process, the checklist for the do it yourself innovator explains what to focus on. The checklist The checklist provides you with: An overview that shows you what you […]
To provide guidance and recognition for innovation initiatives, you need to strike a delicate balance. On the one hand there is the need for sometimes competing interests of individuals versus team recognition. You need both. On the other hand, you need a healthy mixture of unguided creativity and control. In which case neither is good. […]
Employees are the most precious resource in law firms, engineering firms, hospitals and all other professional service organizations. Professionals are paid well, and value their paycheck. Yet, just paying your employees well is not sufficient to keep them happy. As study after study has shown, employees who feel valued perform better and stick around longer. […]
What happens with an idea, after it pops up in your head? You think about it. You read about it. Do some background research. Talk with a few people… Eventually, when it has passed these initial “sanity” checks, you may put it forward to your manager, to get his or her take on your idea […]
There are many fascinating technologies – from big data, artificial intelligence, to blockchain – that can truly enhance the services provided by lawyers, clinicians, engineers and many other professionals. However, incorporating these technologies is not going to happen by itself. Successful incorporation requires professionals to take charge, take on the role of innovation champions, and […]