5 Steps to Overcoming Creative Block
Killer Innovations with Phil McKinney
The creative process often seems elusive, with the best ideas striking at the most unexpected moments. That magical spark can be exhilarating when an idea materializes seemingly out of nowhere. But how do you harness that creative energy at will rather than waiting for it to strike spontaneously? Many would argue it's impossible, blaming their struggles on the creative block. However, overcoming creative block is achievable and more straightforward than you imagine. In the following sections, I'll share five actionable steps to help you overcome creative block and tap into your creativity...
info_outline
80 Attempts at Innovation by Acquisition
Killer Innovations with Phil McKinney
In the competitive landscape of business, innovation isn't just a buzzword; it's the driving force that fuels growth, sustains relevance, and pushes companies into the future. While many organizations focus on cultivating innovation from within, there's an alternative path that's often overlooked—innovation by acquisition. During my decade-long stint as CTO at HP, I was front and center for over 80 acquisitions, all in pursuit of innovation by acquisition. These experiences ranged from roaring successes to cautionary tales, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of integrating innovative...
info_outline
STOP Performing Innovation Theatre
Killer Innovations with Phil McKinney
The term "innovation theatre" has become increasingly prevalent in today's competitive landscape. It refers to the superficial acts organizations undertake to appear innovative without genuinely committing to the hard work of genuine innovation. This misleading facade often leads to wasted resources, missed opportunities, and damaged reputations. So, how can you spot this illusion, and what can you do to foster real innovation? Misleading Motivations Innovation theatre stems from a desire for quick wins and external validation rather than a genuine commitment to innovation. Organizations often...
info_outline
How to Shift from Monotonous Thinking to Creative Thinking
Killer Innovations with Phil McKinney
In an age of constant change, we cannot overstate the value of adaptability and innovation. Yet, many of us find ourselves entrenched in a pattern of repetitive thinking, relying on familiar approaches to navigate the complexities of life. However, there exists a transformative alternative: creative thinking. This article explores the power of creative thinking and provides insights into how to cultivate this invaluable skill. Understanding Monotonous Thinking Monotonous thinking, akin to traversing the same path repeatedly, offers comfort and predictability. Our brains, naturally inclined...
info_outline
How to Handle Rejection of Your Ideas
Killer Innovations with Phil McKinney
Experiencing rejection of your idea can feel like a punch to the gut. Whether it's a proposal, a suggestion, or criticism, the initial sting can be hard to shake off. But rejection isn't the end—it's an opportunity for growth and improvement. Personal Experience We've all been there. Rejection hurts, but it's not about you—it's about the idea. It's essential to separate your self-worth from your ideas and recognize rejection as a chance to refine and enhance your concept. Attitudes to Adopt 1: Gain Perspective Shift your focus from the rejection to what you can learn. Use feedback to...
info_outline
6 Most Common Thinking Mistakes Holding You Back
Killer Innovations with Phil McKinney
I've been reflecting a lot lately about common thinking mistakes. Yes, you heard me right. It's a bit of a mind-bender. But trust me, this is going to be worth your while. We all have unique ways of perceiving the world. Sometimes, however, these perspectives can lead us astray. We may fall victim to thinking mistakes that impede our growth and success. Today, I want to unveil the six most common thinking mistakes that hinder people's progress. Removing these pitfalls can enhance your decision-making, communication skills, and overall mindset. And let me assure you, I'm speaking from personal...
info_outline
How To Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills
Killer Innovations with Phil McKinney
In a world brimming with information and endless arguments, developing the art of critical thinking is not just advantageous—it's a necessity. By the end of this episode, you will wield a powerful toolkit that unlocks a new level of understanding and problem-solving capability, transforming how you approach challenges, debates, and decisions. Elevating your critical thinking skills enhances influence and reveals how to see beyond the surface of presented information. What is Critical Thinking? Critical thinking, one of the most crucial competencies, embodies deep analysis, evaluation, and...
info_outline
7 Innovations Accelerating the Technological Singularity
Killer Innovations with Phil McKinney
Envision a world on the precipice of a profound transformation, driven by seven unprecedented innovations, poised to revolutionize every aspect of society. This shift, approaching a technological singularity, carries immense responsibility and high stakes for current and future generations. Our technological prowess is unrivaled. From the simplest inventions to the most complex machines, we have continually pushed the limits of what is possible. But as our capabilities grow exponentially, a looming question arises: are we heading towards a technological singularity that could change the course...
info_outline
The Art of Selecting an Innovation Mentor
Killer Innovations with Phil McKinney
Navigating the intricate realm of innovation is akin to sailing without a map, a challenging endeavor. That's where the invaluable role of an innovation mentor comes into play, acting as a guiding force. Picture them as friends always armed with the best advice, guiding you through launching your venture, shaking things up at work, or bringing your ideas to life. They serve as a reliable beacon, lighting the way and steering you through rough waters. The Role of an Innovation Mentor Discovering a mentor to navigate the innovation maze isn't merely about hiring an expert or a quick-fix coach....
info_outline
Unlocking the Door to Innovation
Killer Innovations with Phil McKinney
Embarking on becoming an innovation consultant is an adventure fraught with challenges and opportunities. The question that often arises is: What kind of experience does diving into the depths of innovation consulting require? Breaking into this highly competitive field necessitates a blend of academic knowledge and real-world practice. Still, the pathway is less about a set timeframe and the rich experiences gained, opening the door to innovation. The Power of Apprenticeship: Learning by Doing Consider the apprenticeship — the age-old tradition of learning by doing —the key to unlocking...
info_outlineEmbarking on becoming an innovation consultant is an adventure fraught with challenges and opportunities. The question that often arises is: What kind of experience does diving into the depths of innovation consulting require? Breaking into this highly competitive field necessitates a blend of academic knowledge and real-world practice. Still, the pathway is less about a set timeframe and the rich experiences gained, opening the door to innovation.
The Power of Apprenticeship: Learning by Doing
Consider the apprenticeship — the age-old tradition of learning by doing —the key to unlocking latent potential. Aligning with a mentor, someone whose accomplishments you respect and aspire to emulate, becomes vital. Through this alliance, the transfer of wisdom is not merely academic but vibrantly alive, fertilized by the flow of ideas born of actual projects and commercial undertakings.
Years vs. Experience: Redefining Success in Innovation
Is there a magic number of years required for mastery, or does the variety and depth of experience trump the span of time? What if success in innovation is not just about the ideas you conceive but also about your capacity to shepherd those ideas through the stages of development to execution?
This pursuit of innovation is not for the faint-hearted. It's for those willing to be tenacious, invest time and effort, and repeatedly return to the forge of creation. So, are you ready to unlock the door?
Real-world Experience: A Necessity, Not a Luxury
Venturing into the startup arena is daunting, with roughly 90% failing within their first year. Strikingly, the restaurant industry shares a similar fate, where 60% do not celebrate their first anniversary. Combining these two volatile worlds, as Fisayo has done with Resactly, is a brave endeavor — a testament to her passion and tenacity.
The Role of Internships and Apprenticeships
Is two years the minimum requirement for mastery, or can internships and apprenticeships be tailored to individual needs? Not everyone can commit to a two-year apprenticeship, but real-world experience is crucial. Find someone you admire, someone who has the experience, and be part of all aspects of innovation, from ideation to execution.
Unlock the Door to Innovation Consulting
In conclusion, the journey to becoming an innovation consultant is personal. Whether through internships, apprenticeships, or hands-on experience, the key is to immerse yourself in the world of innovation. Acquiring the hard knocks of real-world experience is essential, and this practical knowledge sets you apart. Once you've gained this experience, you can confidently unlock the door to innovation and share your insights with the world. So, are you ready to take that first step?