Author Archives: Dr Ken Hudson

The secret to innovative organisations

Everyone wants to know the secret of innovative organisations. These organisations seem to be able to produce breakthrough new ideas and products — on demand. But how do these innovative organisations do it? My observation is this. They have more people innovating, more often. It’s that simple. Yet so hard. Think of a gym. What makes a vibrant gym? It’s the friendliness of the staff, the quality of the instructors and the gym equipment. But it’s also the number of ... Read more

Speed Thinking in Action

I gave a talk yesterday at a conference on *Speed Thinking and it’s tool Ideas Blitz. Speed Thinking is an accelerated way of generating ideas and solving problems that can be used by individuals or small groups or teams. I developed this thinking system based on an insight. My observation working with managers and leaders was: ‘What stopped many people from being as creative or innovative as they could be was their own internal judging or self-limiting voice.’ I found ... Read more

What can we learn from the Starbucks straw?

Starbucks has just launched a new cookie straw for use with their Frappuccino. The straw can be used to sip or dip the coffee but it also can be eaten. But watch the added calories! Other companies have also tried to reinvent the humble straw with varieties such as: – sliced pork variety or – beef or – bacon I am not advocating the use of products that are unhealthy but I am interested in this development from a small wins way perspective. Suddenly a small item (i.e. a ... Read more

The one thing that creative people do – a lot!

Here it is. Are you ready? Creatieve people spend a lot of time bouncing ideas off other people. You just have to watch or listen to them. For example: ‘Hey jane, have you got 5 minutes — i just want to bounce an idea off you.’ Creative people know that great ideas emerge from the interactions of a diverse range of people. They have a starting or initial idea but they would like to get a quick reaction. They also look for people who are open to new ideas and that they ... Read more

How to learn to innovate

If you were trying to learn to surf for example you might go to a surf school to start with. Assuming you have a surfboard and can swim. You would start on the beach practicing how to get up on the board. You might also sit down with the instructor and look at the beach, the waves and places to avoid. Then you venture forth just off shore to the small waves. After many mishaps and accidents and a great deal of fun you might go out a little bit further. My point is this — you are ... Read more

Managers are running out of excuses not to innovate

Managers and leaders know innovation is vital. But they often don’t practice it. It reminds me of exercise. We know it is important yet we never seem to get around to it. We always want to start next week! It seems it’s the same with innovation. – Too tired – Too busy – Not enough people – Not enough time – It’s too big I will start next week! But next week rarely comes around. I think the best time to start to innovate is right now. Select ... Read more

Where to start innovating?

I am often asked by leaders and managers: Where is the best place to start innovating? There is no one best place. Simply making a start is half the battle. It’s like a fitness program, the hardest part is just starting. But here is my suggestion: Start by concentrating on the small losses that consumers feel when they use your product or service. A small loss are those bite-size, yet frustrating mistakes or slips ups that all businesses make. It could be for example: – making ... Read more

The disruption alternative

Disruption is important. It is a powerful force to overturn monopolies and tired, out-dated brands and industries. Disruptive business models can also provide a huge benefit to consumers and customers like Uber for example. But following a disruption strategy if you are a manager or leader in a medium to large size organisations is a double-edged sword. On the one hand it can renew and revitalise an existing business. But it is also expensive, risky and time-consuming. There is another ... Read more

How to recognise your best customers

I recently ran a course in Singapore on Marketing Creativity. The participants received a certificate at the end of the course. They all loved it. I actually enjoyed handing these out. A classic win – win. But I think there is a broader lesson here for all marketers, brand and business owners. Ask yourself, How am I recognising my best consumers, customers or clients? As this example show, it does not have to be a big, grand gesture. A certificate or a few bonus points or an ... Read more

When is the best time to innovate?

Now! Not tomorrow or next week. The best time to innovate is right now. It does not matter where or when or on what activity. Too many leaders I speak to say that innovation is important (one of their top 3 priorities according to research) but then say they are really busy and will get to it next week. But next week never comes. Start Now. Start small. Just start! Starting creates action, confidence & momentum. Before you know it you are innovating. Read more