Archives

‘The culture of most organisations does not accept creativity’ Interview with Keith Sawyer

On 13 February 2012, in creativity, improvisation, innovation, by Ruben van der Laan
1

Keith Sawyer is one of the leading scholars on creativity, collaboration and learning. He is author of several books including the best sellers ‘Explaining Creativity’ and ‘Group Genius’. Working in the creative field I was surprised to find out that many creativity people (including myself) use misconceptions about how novel ideas originate and creativity works. [...]

A low-meeting diet: some do it!

On 2 September 2011, in change, by Ruben van der Laan
1

Today I was flabbergasted. On two different unrelated occasions I asked: ‘how many hours a week do you spend in meetings?’ The first person I asked is project manager at a big public organisation, the second manager at a global consultancy.   Both respondents gave the same answer: 5 hours a week.   Example of [...]

What Tetris learns you about planning innovation

On 15 August 2011, in innovation, methods, by Ruben van der Laan
2

‘SME’s are reluctant to invest in innovation. The rewards, read profits, are not clear enough for the immediate focus that most SME’s operate in.’ I was discussing with an expert on innovation and instinctively knew he was right. I’ve had difficult experiences discussing innovation with SME’s. There is interest and curiosity about innovation because most [...]

A multilevel approach for TOP®

On 11 January 2011, in methods, participation, by Ruben van der Laan
0

I never realised that the US is a very efficient market until I met a former Marketing Manager from Unilever who had been promoted to Asia. He explained that with one single marketing campaign he could reach a huge market of wealthy customers. With 300 million inhabitants sharing the same language and culture a single [...]

Why participation is crucial for your innovation or change

On 1 November 2010, in change, innovation, participation, Read this, by Ruben van der Laan
0

Your innovation or change going astray You want your innovation or change to be successful. But once past the excitement of your original idea, you’re suddenly confronted with a few challenges. At first they seem small and your initial energy is enough to overcome them easily. You’ve built a nice team, you have enough funds [...]