Biomimicry Works’ Post

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I became interested in the book Innovation is Everybody’s Business because it takes a different tact than most do on the subject. Instead of focusing on what the company, organization, or leadership can do to spur innovation, it focuses on what you, the employee, can do, intentionally and proactively; and as part of the normal course of your job. Check out my summary of this book... https://lnkd.in/gCtcCcNa ...and over 60 others at https://lnkd.in/ePuVF8jb

Globally, organizations in both public and private sectors are increasingly employing "nudges" — subtle yet impactful interventions designed to guide people’s decisions towards more sustainable, financially responsible, or healthier outcomes. Seen as a nearly magical solution, these tactics initially foster better choices. However, Harvard Business Review’s article suggests that while nudges effectively persuade people at first, they might not ensure long-term commitment. People imposed into making decisions are less likely to maintain them compared to those who choose independently. Leaders and innovators are urged to examine their plans in greater detail, ensuring they promote long-term beneficial change rather than mere initial compliance. This approach emphasizes evolving our methods to truly foster enduring impact and sustainability. How can we design nudges to ensure they have a meaningful and lasting impact? Read more about it here: https://lnkd.in/eCuEAFJv

Innovation Unleashed: 6 Strategies To Unlock Intellectual Curiosity" shows how to turn curiosity into your upper hand. In a world where innovation equals power, promoting curiosity isn't just good, it's necessary. It's not just about asking the right questions, but inspiring groundbreaking ideas. I've witnessed how curiosity transforms challenges into opportunities. It's about digging deeper, defying the status quo, and asking, "What if? https://lnkd.in/ep-_GsQJ

Innovation does not mean taking short cuts. It highly recommends strategim, cohersion and principled approach. Is means building deliberately executing with from a strong o influential position.

Unlocking value creation strategies. Discover how broadening your innovation perspective can unearth untapped opportunities for growth within your organization. 💫 Read more: https://bit.ly/43YqMP4 #InnovationStrategy #ValueCreation #OrganizationalGrowth

The phrase "What new we are bringing to the platter" suggests a reflection on innovation and value addition. Let's analyze it in the context of leadership or business: 1. **Innovation**: This implies a focus on introducing novel ideas, products, or services to the market. Leaders who prioritize innovation can stay ahead of the competition, drive growth, and meet evolving customer needs. 2. **Value Addition**: Bringing something new to the table often involves adding value to existing offerings or processes. This could include improving efficiency, enhancing quality, or delivering superior customer experiences. 3. **Differentiation**: By introducing new elements, leaders can differentiate their organization from competitors and create a unique selling proposition that attracts customers and stakeholders. 4. **Market Relevance**: Stagnation is the enemy of progress in today's fast-paced business environment. Continuously bringing new ideas or improvements to the market ensures that an organization remains relevant and competitive. 5. **Adaptation**: In addition to innovation, leaders must also be adaptable and responsive to changing market conditions, consumer preferences, and technological advancements. This flexibility allows organizations to pivot quickly and capitalize on emerging opportunities. 6. **Long-term Sustainability**: Introducing new elements to the platter should align with the organization's long-term goals and values. Sustainable innovation considers environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors to ensure responsible growth and positive impact. Overall, the phrase underscores the importance of innovation, value addition, differentiation, adaptation, and sustainability in leadership and business. By embracing these principles, leaders can drive continuous improvement, foster growth, and maintain relevance in an ever-changing landscape.

Here are 7 Lessons from Larger Than Yourself: Reimagine Industries, Lead with Purpose & Grow Ideas into Movements by Thibault Manekin: 1. Find Your Purpose Beyond Profit: Manekin challenges readers to move beyond solely profit-driven goals and discover a deeper purpose for their work and lives. This purpose should connect to your values, inspire others, and contribute to a greater good. 2. Bridge Divides and Build Communities: Instead of perpetuating divisions, the book encourages building bridges across lines of difference. This can involve creating businesses that unite communities, promote social justice, and address global challenges. 3. Cultivate Storytelling and Shared Vision: Effective changemaking involves sharing compelling stories that resonate with others and inspire them to join a movement. Learn to articulate your vision clearly, connect with emotions, and build a shared sense of purpose. 4. Embrace Experimentation and Iteration: Success rarely comes from a linear path. Be willing to experiment, take calculated risks, and learn from failures. Adjust your ideas based on feedback and iterate towards a solution that truly makes a difference. 5. Lead with Humility and Authenticity: Effective leaders are not superheroes but relatable individuals who inspire others through their humility, vulnerability, and genuine passion. Focus on connecting with people on a human level and empowering them to contribute their unique skills. 6. Leverage Technology for Positive Change: Technology can be a powerful tool for social good. Learn to harness its potential to connect people, amplify voices, and mobilize resources for positive change. 7. Take Action and Create Momentum: Don't wait for the perfect moment or ideal circumstances. Start small, take consistent action, and build momentum by celebrating even incremental progress. Your actions, however small, can inspire others and pave the way for bigger changes.

As a specialist in innovation, I enjoy seeing people challenge conventional wisdom. Even more so when they happen to be tenured Professors at Harvard Business School. This is what Gary Pisano has done in his new Harvard Business Review article (https://lnkd.in/eKFTNDYX), which I urge you to check out. In brief, Pisano argues that: - Few companies grow sustainably for a long time. Of 170 firms studied that operated from 1985 to 2019, only 7 were in the top quartile of growth every year. - The right rate of growth for a business is not “as fast as possible,” but rather something dictated by financial, human resource, and operational constraints. - There is no single formula for sustainable growth, but there are a discrete number. Of those 7 consistent growers, some (UPS, Publix, Walmart, Southwest) scaled up a successful model in new markets. Others (Johnson & Johnson, Danaher, Berkshire Hathaway) found adjacent industries to grow into. - Methods of growth require careful choice, and sometimes face constraints. Virgin Group grew through licensing its brand, but eventually that diminished control over how its brand was being used. Your formula for growth over the coming 5 years may be quite different than the one for the next 10 – 15 years. In the same HBR issue, Bain argues (https://lnkd.in/egsSWgP5)  that sustainable growth also requires appropriate identification of exposures to risks, scenario planning, capital allocation according to a portfolio plan, and signal tracking. This echoes what we lay out in our paper on effective FutureCasting practices (https://lnkd.in/e8667BcT) as well as Jonathan Brill’s rigorous work on future-proofing business strategy (https://lnkd.in/eJ3PP9tP). Too many companies treat growth as a quest to pursue in favorable periods, and something to sacrifice when business conditions get hard. But we live in an increasingly volatile world, and reactive strategy has a short shelf-life in fast-changing times. Thinking through growth in this disciplined manner allows innovative leaders to stay on the front foot even while the world swirls around them. 

MANAGING CHANGE AND INNOVATION: This morning I once more had the pleasure of giving a lecture for international students (hence English) in a master’s course at Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) with just that name.  As I have spent quite some time grappling with the topics, it’s encouraging meeting with people preparing to take off on their careers, whereas I’m in the landing phase of mine. My approach to the topic is from a practitioners viewpoint. I have always been fascinated by the beauty of academia: it’s ability to identify key characteristics that explain the driving forces behind, e.g, the persistent ability to innovate.  In theory, adhering to these characteristics should enhance one’s ability to replicate success. The challenge is that reality tends to be multifaceted and quite complex. These are some of the learnings from my life in the competitive wilderness I tried to convey: A big challenge is to avoid letting the established culture gain the upper hand. You as a leader must drive the necessary cultural change. Established mental models must be challenged if a successful adaptation to a changed environment is to be achieved. Transformations demand that we leave the safe harbor of the familiar and sail into uncharted waters. It's uncertain. It's unknown. And yes, it's uncomfortable. But to embrace courage wholeheartedly is a non-negotiable. Every truly groundbreaking company I've ever encountered—every organization that's turned its industry on its head—has had one thing in common: A crystal-clear vision. It's not just a statement gathering dust in some corporate handbook. No, it's a beacon. A north star that guides every decision, every strategy, every move they make. It keeps them laser-focused in a world full of distractions. A big thanks to professor Inger Stensaker for the invitation, and all the best to the students on their flight to change the world fot the better in one way or another. Remember, the challenges you'll face are opportunities to apply these principles and make a real difference. PS: The excellent model on the screen is created by Justin Harlan.