Posts by Stephen Shapiro
Freedom Can Limit Innovation
Over the past couple of weeks, I have had the identical conversation with several different clients. Apparently, there is an existing belief that if you want to instill a mindset of creativity, you need to have less “structure.” To some degree that is true. But unfortunately, most companies, when undergoing this kind of change, swing too radically to the other side.
Read MoreInnovation, Invention, Creativity and Artistry are not the same
Last night I was at an event where I woman said, “I want to get in touch with my creativity. I used to paint and play music, but no longer do that.” This got me thinking about how we throw around a lot of terms with no real clarity around what they mean. Here are…
Read MoreNew School is Old School
I just finished reading a mindless crime novel* – my favorite genre of book. The victim was the producer of an old television series who recently sold the rights to do a remake of the show. Fans were outraged. Most were purists who liked the original version and would do anything to prevent the new…
Read MoreShould You Fish for Innovations or Catch Them?
On talk radio the other day, they were discussing the fishing industry. The conversation centered on how certain types of much more popular than others. I not sure of the specifics, but I think salmon, tuna, and sea bass are the hot fish. Most consumers, when they go to the supermarket, ask for those specific…
Read MoreInsider's View on Microwork and a Sample Output
As readers of this blog know, I am always interested in exploring different forms of open innovation, collaboration, and outsourcing. Personally, I have used a number of sites including 99designs.com and elance.com. I have used these for the development of logos, graphics, websites, and research. In most cases I would pay several hundred dollars for…
Read MoreIt is Okay to Marry Your Work (Part 2)
Last week I wrote an article for American Express about marrying your work. Unlike the “ball and chain” picture that tends to pop into our heads, I espoused the merits of loving your job, just like you would marry a spouse you love. Be sure to read that article before reading on. I’ll wait. OK,…
Read MoreWhy We Crave Goals
As many of you may know, my second book was called Goal-Free Living. Although it was originally going to be a book on how to be more creative, it morphed into a manifesto for a counter-cultural way of living. In fact, the “goal-free” philosophy will be featured in a major newspaper early next year. Stay…
Read MoreWhy Change is Hard
I am someone who loves change. In fact I sometimes change things simply for change sake. But I recently learned a powerful lesson on why change is difficult, even for someone like me who loves to stir things up. I bought a MacBook Pro a few weeks ago. Friends have been prodding me to buy…
Read MoreHow to Motivate Innovators
Organizations use a variety of tools to motivate employees to participate in their innovation efforts. The most common form of motivation involves compensation via a points system. When you contribute an idea, solution, comment or vote, you get points – much like American Express Membership Rewards points – that can be used to buy a…
Read MoreDo You Know Why You Are Successful…or Not?
I just gave a presentation on “Happiness at Work” in Norway. I started with the following question: “True or false – People with more money are happier.” 100% of the audience believed that the statement was false. In reality, the statement is true. Researchers have shown that people with more money are happier. When people…
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