A Fresh Approach to Innovation
Ever been stuck with a problem or question that you just can't answer or turned into a massive debate? Take for example this question...
If a chicken says, "All Chickens are liars" is the chicken telling the truth?
Yes, it's kind of a random question, but do you know the answer? You're probably having a debate right now with your spouse or bestie, wasting precious time arguing over this stupid riddle. Just like you would when someone asks, "if a tree falls in the woods and no one is around to hear it, does it still make a sound?" Crazy.
STOP! Ever think about a fresh approach to innovation? What about bringing in someone younger. A 20 or 30 something, college grad, a savvy fifth grader who isn't too cool to talk to mom yet, or even a toddler? Sometimes the answers are so simple and yet as adults we complicate them to the umpteenth level. It's ree-donk-u-lous if you ask me. (And yes, I'm guilty of it too.)
Instead of paying hundreds of dollars to a coach or therapist or consultant or even yahoo! answers (hey, if it's not a trade secret, why not?!) to help you reach beyond your mindblock try seeking help outside the box and give some credit to us "young folk". I've got to admit - I feel like I've got ideas coming out of the wazoo. If only I could monetize those ideas! But alas, it feels great to "give them away" to someone in need and I find that I learn from them as well. Trust me - if you're one of those that has "been there, done that" a few times - we are eager to pick your brain too.
Oh, and by the way - chickens can't talk!
Read Peg's Blog to find out what she has to say on the subject of Euthanizing your business.
See you Thursday!
Hilairy
Secrets to Success of Vision & Purpose
Remember the days you shook that Magic 8 ball wishing that Alex Williams would ask you out in middle school? Or that mom would cook green beans instead of brussell sprouts for dinner? Maybe that this would be the year the Reds would win the pennant? Yes, innocence is bliss, but if only shaking a ball could be the solver of all our problems. Let's face it. The majority of us just aren't going to get that lucky in business growth. We need to focus on creating our own path of growth by defining our Vision and Purpose.
Just to clarify, there is a difference between Vision and Purpose. Vision answers the question, "What do you want to become?" while Purpose asks "Why?" Our guest speaker, Paul Cashen of Focal Point, did a fabulous job of mixing humor, practicality, and insight while sharing his perspective on the "Secrets to Success of Vision & Purpose." Here are his tips:
Secret #1: Create a Statement of Purpose. Why do you and your company exist? This should be done in 10 words or less.
Secret #2: Act like a leader AND a winner!
Secret #3: Create a Vision. Where are you and your organization going in the future?
What are the characteristics of Vision?
- Clarity
- Tim Bound
- Flexible
- Memorable
- Inspirational
- Wide Scope
- Believable
- Congruent with your Purpose, Mission, & Values
"You were born to WIN, but to be a winner you must PLAN to win, PREPARE to win, and EXPECT to win!" - Zig Ziglar
Secret #4: Purpose and Vision (Culture) drive Growth EVERYDAY. Discipline is the key!
Secret #5: Empower and enroll people in the Purpose & Vision.
Secret #6: Reinforce the Purpose & Vision on a regular basis.
Secret #7: Do Something!
- Draft it
- Socialize it
- Iterate it
- Socialize it... again
- Post it
- Plan it
- Create a plan of reinforcement
- LIVE IT!
Now that you know the secrets we challenge you to create your own Purpose & Vision. Need help? Join your peers in one of our ACCEL groups or seek guidance from one of our resource partners!