Innovation Series

Solving problems is the key to innovation and advancement, but far too often, we get in our own way by assuming the solution before we’ve really analyzed the problem. Getting stuck on the assumed solution will slow you down, creating more steps that have to be taken to achieve the desired result. This quick and easy course will outline a better approach to problem-solving, one that shifts the focus from the obvious solution to the real issue at hand. Using this method, you can achieve your real goals more quickly.

Objectives:

• Define the real problem without proposing a solution
• Determine your ultimate goals and break the problem down
• Frame the question in a way that allows for a broader outcome

Course Features: Audio Narration, Video, Job Aids and Reference Materials

Working towards a goal usually involves addressing a series of questions. To simplify the process, we tend to take one idea at a time and treat it as a “will or won’t” situation. This course teaches a broader perspective. Asking the right questions as you work towards your goal can create new possibilities and opportunities by generating more creative and positive thinking. Stop asking yourself if you can or can’t and start asking yourself “Why” or “What if?”

Objectives:

• Frame the problem as a question you’re excited to answer
• Encourage breakthrough thinking by asking the right questions
• Skip the baby steps and facilitate real innovation

Course Features: Audio Narration, Video, Job Aids and Reference Materials

Borrowing Brilliance is a tactic you might have used in everyday life without even knowing it, but this method of problem-solving can lead to blockbuster innovations. When you’re brainstorming, widen your considerations to other fields and the techniques they use to achieve the type of outcome you’re looking for. In this way, you’ll invite novelty into your creative processes. That novelty will lead to the type of innovation that takes the world by storm.

Objectives:

• Determine the essence of the problem you’re trying to solve
• Present the problem in a relatable way
• Consult your network to discover solutions from different fields

Course Features: Audio Narration, Video, Job Aids and Reference Materials

When members of your team feel ignored or neglected, they can develop low confidence that affects their performance. In essence, you’re lowering their value by not appreciating their value. Increase the value and performance of your team by ensuring that every member knows he or she is appreciated. This course will teach you to facilitate inclusion throughout your organization and ways in which you give your team members the consideration to be at their best.

Objectives:

• Develop simple habits that promote the sharing of input and feedback
• Practice active listening and open communication
• Follow up on contributions and ideas to encourage your team

Course Features: Audio Narration, Video, Job Aids and Reference Materials

Approaching a boss, investor, or another resource with a half-cocked idea is a quick way to get rejected. The key to gaining the approval of teams, leaders, and others is to present them with value. Once you get them on board, you can get the help you need to accomplish your goals while improving your reputation as an asset to your organization. Adopt a service mindset that shows your peers and superiors that you’re working for the betterment of the group.

Objectives:

• Create a well-developed idea that’s ready to be presented
• Offer enough value to negate the risk
• Communicate and invite testing, feedback, and input

Course Features: Audio Narration, Video, Job Aids and Reference Materials

Diversity isn’t just progressing for the sake of progress. Having a team made up of various ethnicities, different genders, and a range of ages actually increases your creativity and productivity. That’s because people who come from various backgrounds with various levels of experience broaden your perspective. This course will show you the error in cultural conformity and teach you to diversify your team or network. You can even expand your own experience by becoming a minority yourself.

Objectives:

• Diversify the talent pool within your team or organization
• Become a minority yourself to shift your perspective
• Gain confidence in new environments and improve your team’s output

Course Features:  Audio Narration, Video, Job Aids and Reference Materials

Staying stuck in the same routine discourages your brain from generating thoughts that are different than the thoughts you had yesterday. Break from the norm and take yourself into different environments to generate novel ideas and look at your tasks and problems with fresh eyes. This course is a simple and effective way to break out of ruts and inspire creativity. It will discuss easy ways to switch up your routine and break the monotonous thought patterns that inhibit innovation.

Objectives:

• Change your environment to get inspired
• Disconnect and change your pattern
• Discover connections and possibilities that you didn’t see before

Course Features:  Audio Narration, Video, Job Aids and Reference Materials

Influencers are some of today’s most, well, influential marketing tools available. They lead masses of engaged followers all over the world by creating content that offers industry insights, product information and reviews, and advice on virtually any topic you could think of. This course will show you how influencers can be utilized to advance your goals while reciprocating some of that benefit for the influencer as well.

Objectives:

• Use influencers to market your products and ideas
• Approach influencers appropriately with mutual benefit in mind
• Exchange feedback and develop a working relationship

Course Features:  Audio Narration, Video, Job Aids and Reference Materials

The response to constraints of any kind is generally negative. They’re seen as barriers to your success and abilities and are often used as excuses for failure. To an innovator, however, constraints are just more opportunities for creative thinking, problem-solving, and unconventional application of resources. When you’re dealing with limitations, you’re forced to think outside the box. This tool can be used to facilitate innovation, even when you’re not actually under any constraints.

Objectives:

• Impose your own constraints to generate original ideas
• Use your energy more efficiently
• Breakdown problems to their bare bones and make progress

Course Features:  Audio Narration, Video, Job Aids and Reference Materials