Facilitating Innovation Through Culture

🧠 “How We Brainstorm And Choose UX Ideas” (+ Miro template) (https://lnkd.in/eN32hH2x), a practical guide by Booking.com on how to run a rapid UX ideation session with silent brainstorming and “How Might We” (HMW) statements — by clustering data points into themes, reframing each theme and then prioritizing impactful ideas. Shared by Evan Karageorgos, Tori Holmes, Alexandre Benitah. 👏🏼👏🏽👏🏾 Booking.com UX Ideation Template (Miro) https://lnkd.in/eipdgPuC (password: bookingcom) 🚫 Ideas shouldn’t come from assumptions but UX research. ✅ Study past research and conduct a new study if needed. ✅ Cluster data in user needs, business goals, competitive insights. ✅ Best ideas emerge at the intersections of these 3 pillars. ✅ Cluster all data points into themes, prioritize with colors. ✅ Reframe each theme as a “How Might We” (HMW) statement. ✅ Start with the problems (or insights) you’ve uncovered. ✅ Focus on the desired outcomes, rather than symptoms. ✅ Collect and group ideas by relevance for every theme. ✅ Prioritize and visualize ideas with visuals and storytelling. Many brainstorming sessions are an avalanche of unstructured ideas, based on hunches and assumptions. Just like in design work we need constraints to be intentional in our decisions, we need at least some structure to mold realistic and viable ideas. I absolutely love the idea of frame the perspective through the lens of ideation clusters: user needs, business problems and insights. Reframing emerging themes as “How-Might-We”-statements is a neat way to help teams focus on a specific problem at hand and a desired outcome. A simple but very helpful approach — without too much rigidity but just enough structure to generate, prioritize and eventually visualize effective ideas with the entire team. Invite non-designers in the sessions as well, and I wouldn’t be surprised how much value a 2h session might deliver. Useful resources: The Rules of Productive Brainstorming, by Slava Shestopalov https://lnkd.in/eyYZjAz3 On “How Might We” Questions, by Maria Rosala, NN/g https://lnkd.in/ejDnmsRr Ideation for Everyday Design Challenges, by Aurora Harley, NN/g https://lnkd.in/emGtnMyy Brainstorming Exercises for Introverts, by Allison Press https://lnkd.in/eta6YsFJ How To Run Successful Product Design Workshops, by Gustavs Cirulis, Cindy Chang https://lnkd.in/eMtX-xwD Useful Miro Templates For UX Designers, by yours truly https://lnkd.in/eQVxM_Nq #ux #design

“Collaborative Innovation” - new cartoon and post Disney alum Paul Williams once shared the brainstorming method developed by Walt Disney. Disney used to separate the act of coming up with and executing ideas into three distinct steps (and associated mindsets): The Dreamer, The Realist, and The Spoiler. As Paul wrote: “By compartmentalizing the stages, Walt didn’t let reality get in the way of the dream step. The realist was allowed to work without the harsh filter of a spoiler. And, the spoiler spends time examining a well-thought idea… something with a bit more structure. “When we brainstorm alone and in groups – too often – we tend to fill the room with a dreamer or two, a few realists, and a bunch of spoilers. In these conditions, dream ideas don’t stand a chance.” The Dreamer mentality specializes in blue sky thinking without constraints, the Realist mentality puts practical structure to the ideas, and the Spoiler asks the hard questions and kicks the tires. We need all three mindsets. But we need those mindsets at the right time and in the right way. Walt Disney would go so far as to dedicate different physical rooms to each mindset. These rooms helped prompt what mindset was required at each stage. They helped ensure that innovation remained both creative and practical. I’ve been thinking about these stages and mindsets in the context of AI. Several studies (including new research at Wharton) have shown that while Generative AI can help boost the quality of individual ideas, they can also limit the diversity of ideas. There can be a “Great Same-ening,” as Ian Whitworth once put it. As the Wharton study’s authors wrote: “The true value of brainstorming stems from the diversity of ideas rather than multiple voices repeating similar thoughts… “Diversity is often overlooked, but it needs special protection. If you don’t solve for it explicitly, you won’t get it.” Part of the challenge and opportunity of incorporating AI into innovation is deciding what collaborative roles we want humans and AI to play. Assigning roles like The Dreamer, The Realist, or The Spoiler could be a way to start. AI alone won’t create a culture of innovation. >>> To sign up for my weekly marketoon email newsletter, click here: https://lnkd.in/gG4GkZsj For related cartoons and all the links in this post, click here: https://lnkd.in/g9Dumagx #marketing #cartoon #marketoon

For years, workplace stress has been treated as a wellness issue, something to be managed with yoga classes, mindfulness apps, or the occasional resilience workshop. But the data tells a different story: stress is not just a personal issue, it’s a business risk. And while executive awareness is growing, action is still lagging behind. According to Deloitte, 94% of C-suite leaders agree on the importance of supporting employee health. Yet only 32% are taking meaningful steps to address it. That’s a staggering gap, and one that risk leaders can no longer afford to ignore. Stress isn’t just affecting morale; it’s driving up health claims, compliance failures, absenteeism, and turnover. In short, it’s hitting the bottom line. So why aren’t current investments working? One reason is that stress is still seen as too subjective to measure. But that’s changing. New tools like the Stress Risk Thermometer are helping organizations quantify stress in business terms, linking it directly to cost control, risk exposure, and performance outcomes. This is the kind of structured insight that risk managers need to drive real change. As risk professionals, we’re trained to identify emerging threats before they become crises. Chronic stress is one of those threats. It’s time we bring the same rigor to stress risk as we do to financial, operational, and reputational risks. Because when we do, we don’t just protect the business, we build healthier, more resilient organizations. Let’s stop treating stress as a side issue. It’s central to strategy. #WorkplaceRisk #EmployeeWellbeing #StressManagement #RiskLeadership #OrganizationalHealth https://lnkd.in/dTEWZQhn

In my journey of working with SMEs, I've observed that the entrepreneurial mindset plays a pivotal role in the success of small companies. Typically, decisions are centralised, often resting on the shoulders of a single entrepreneur or a small family team. Here are key insights differentiating thriving businesses from those facing challenges: 1. Lack of Delegation: Entrepreneurs sometimes struggle with relinquishing control, attempting to manage everything themselves. This "I want to control everything" attitude can limit their focus on core tasks and hinder efficient decision-making. 2. Resistance to Change: Entrepreneurs may cling too tightly to their initial vision, resisting adaptation to new technologies, market trends, or customer demands. The younger generation tends to break through this barrier more often. 3. Overconfidence: Optimism is crucial, but entrepreneurs can become overly optimistic, taking on excessive risks or making decisions based on incomplete information. Accepting mistakes and correcting course can be challenging. 4. Failure to Plan for the Long-Term: Short-term goals often dominate, overshadowing the need for long-term planning. Sustainability can be compromised when a business is too myopically focused on immediate gains. 5. Poor Financial Management: Juggling numerous responsibilities, entrepreneurs may struggle with financial management. Cash flow, budgeting, and timely access to the right amount of finance are critical for success. Successful enterprises, geared for multi-generational growth, evade these pitfalls. They prioritise comprehensive planning, astute financial management, strategic marketing, and exceptional customer service. Remaining attuned to industry trends, embracing adaptability, and investing in their people are fundamental principles. Moreover, they navigate regulatory landscapes diligently. As a leadership coach, I advocate for entrepreneurs to strike a balance. While maintaining their entrepreneurial spirit, they should be open to feedback, adept at delegation, and committed to long-term planning. Embracing change, making informed decisions, and assembling the right team are vital components of sustained success. #entrepreneurship #leadership #growth #business #mindset #growth #sucess #coaching

Just last week, during a discussion with a senior industry expert, I was struck by a powerful insight. We talked about growth strategies for Patvin Engineering Private Limited when he asked, "But why is your company pursuing these goals?" It made me pause and think—are we too focused on the "what" and not enough on the "why"? 𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 "𝗪𝗵𝘆" 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆 We often prioritize setting clear, measurable objectives—expanding our market, increasing revenue, launching new products. These goals are critical, but understanding the "why" behind them is what truly drives us forward. It transforms our objectives from mere checkpoints into powerful motivators that resonate with every team member. The "why" is the deeper purpose behind our objectives. It’s the reason we push through challenges, innovate, and stay motivated. For example, if our goal is to expand our market presence, the "what" is clear. But when we understand the "why"—perhaps to enhance the livelihood of our employees or maintain our commitment to quality and delivering projects—we find a stronger, more compelling reason to strive and gives us the energy to persevere through challenges. Clarity on the "why" can unify teams, foster innovation, and ensure that everyone is aligned with the company's long-term vision. Moreover, when the "why" is communicated effectively, it empowers every individual in the organization to take ownership of their role in achieving the goal. It shifts the mindset from simply doing a job to being part of a mission. This sense of purpose is particularly important, where personal and professional lives are often intertwined, and where business success can have a huge impact on This clarity of purpose is especially crucial, where businesses are closely tied to the well-being of employees and communities. When we communicate the "why" effectively, it transforms our goals from mere targets into a shared mission that everyone in the company can rally behind. Next time you set objectives, take a moment to reflect on the "why" behind them. It’s more than just hitting targets—it’s about aligning your goals with a purpose that inspires and unifies your team. When we align our actions with this purpose, we not only achieve our goals but also build a more resilient and motivated team, ready to face any challenge. #MSME #BusinessGrowth #PurposeDriven #Leadership #TeamAlignment #IndiaBusiness

Cultivating Hope Deciding to live an entrepreneurial life can bring many benefits but also risks, challenges and the need to manage and motivate ourselves. Recognising and accepting this self-management responsibility takes courage and selfish focus. Don't forget we are as much an asset to our venture as our product, service or investors. I believe that the stress we encounter in business comes from our reaction to the external stimulus, the problem the challenge and if not managed can lead to issues such as burnout. It certainly is a situation I've encountered at stages in my career. For me, I found that maintaining "hope" at all times has been the most critical factor. 👉🏿 Hope that I will survive the issue or problem I must address. 👉🏿 Hope that I can suppress my ego and silence its voice long enough so that I can hear your insight. 👉🏿 Hope that I will have the strength to keep going. 👉🏿 Hope that the effort and the sacrifice will prove a valuable investment of my time on this earth. This is not blind faith. I do accept that I may fail but I hope that if I keep going, stick to the plan and utilise my support team I will endure and deliver my vision. But hope needs to be nurtured, watered and fed. I believe we achieve this as follows. 1. By using every challenge you face as an opportunity to learn you are planting the seed of resilience. Without resilience, the weight of challenge and expectation can become too much for one individual to bear. 2. Cultivating hope will nurture your vision and ensure your dreams are kept alive. This is achieved, I believe by using every opportunity on your journey as a learning moment. 3. Hope is the foundation of innovation. Embrace a mindset that is open to allowing creativity to flourish and innovation will follow. Here we become of most value to our business, team and customers. These of course are only my thoughts on the subject, your experience will be different, we are each unique. But I hope that you may identify with something here and if you have a thought that may help the struggling entrepreneur then please share it as a comment below. I love this quote attributed to the amazing Eleanor Roosevelt "𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬.

You think great ideas strike like lightning. Wrong. They rain like confetti if you know how to catch them. 93% of breakthrough innovations come from collecting small ideas over time. Not from one big "aha" moment. Here's your 5-step framework to catch more ideas: 1. The Collector's Mindset • Your brain processes 6,200 thoughts daily • Most people lose 98% of their ideas • Start capturing everything 2. The Connection Protocol • New ideas = 2 old ideas colliding • Research shows diverse inputs = better outputs • Read outside your field 3. The 3x3 Method • Write 3 ideas every morning • Review them 3 days later • Keep the ones that still excite you • Studies show delayed evaluation improves quality by 40% 4. The Idea Compound • Each captured thought builds on others • Small notes become big breakthroughs • Group brainstorming increases creativity by 71% 5. The Implementation Loop • Ideas without action die • Test one small concept daily • Build fast, learn faster • Innovation requires iteration Remember: You don't need to be a genius. You just need a bigger bowl. ♻️ Share this with someone who's sitting on brilliant ideas 🔔 Follow Kabir Sehgal for frameworks that turn inspiration into innovation

🧭 Navigating the Inner Landscape as an Entrepreneur 🧭 As entrepreneurs, our biggest battleground often lies within. Our thoughts, fears, and self-doubt can be our toughest opponents. Mindset is everything. It's not just about facing challenges; it's about transforming them into stepping stones towards success. Here are some strategies to maintain a positive and resilient mindset: ⭐ Mindfulness Meditation: Start your day with a moment of stillness. Breathe in optimism, breathe out stress. This simple practice can anchor you, keeping you grounded in the face of adversity. ⭐ Affirmative Self-Talk: Replace self-doubt with affirmations. Tell yourself, 'I am capable, I am resilient, I am deserving.' Positive self-talk is a powerful tool in reshaping your mindset. ⭐ Reconnect with Your 'Why': In moments of doubt, revisit your core reason for starting your business. Getting out of your head and into your heart, where your passion and purpose reside, can reignite your drive. ⭐ Gratitude Journaling: Begin and end your day by jotting down things you're grateful for. Gratitude shifts your focus from problems to possibilities, from limitations to expansion. ⭐ Seek Inspiration: Surround yourself with stories of resilience and triumph. Let the journeys of those who have gone before you fuel your own path. ⭐ Embrace a Growth Mindset: See challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Adopt the belief that every experience, good or bad, contributes to your entrepreneurial wisdom. Believe that whatever is happening is happening ‘for’ you, not ‘to’ you. Consider that the journey of an entrepreneur is as much about personal growth as it is about business growth. What if your business can only grow to the extent that you yourself grow? When negative thoughts surface, take a deep breath, focus on your heart - the epicenter of your passion and reason for your entrepreneurial journey. Keep moving forward with optimism and determination and you’ll find that you become unstoppable. Your mind is your greatest asset. Nurture it, and watch as you and your business flourish together! 🌱💼 #EntrepreneurMindset #MindfulnessInBusiness #PositiveThinking #BusinessGrowth #CoachVania

As a Headhunter, when I place executives and professionals as Global Leaders, I see that the ability to lead across cultures is no longer a luxury—it's an imperative for sustainable success in our hyper-connected global age. As markets transcend borders and teams span nationalities, the most forward-thinking leaders are cultivating a strong core competency: Cultural Intelligence. More than just intellectual knowledge of world cultures, Cultural Intelligence (CQ) represents a holistic mastery of the multidimensional skills required to collaborate, innovate, and drive performance in today's rich tapestry of diversity. At its core, CQ development enhances inward reflection and outward integration. It begins with leaders securely grounding themselves in the values of their own cultural identities while simultaneously developing deep self-awareness of how their backgrounds shape perspectives. This potent combination of cultural self-regard, self-knowledge, and self-management allows leaders to project an authentic presence that cultivates trust across cultures. It's a crucial foundation - but just the first step. To ascend to true CQ mastery, introspection must be complemented by cultivating a profound respect and adaptive mindset towards cultural diversity and inclusion. This expansive social-regard, social-awareness, and social-management attunes leaders to navigate nuanced cultural norms, traditions, and relational patterns. By attuning to diverse "languages" of human interaction, leaders can deftly harmonize dynamics, resolve conflicts, and inspire innovative synergy by skillfully integrating many voices. Yet developing transcendent CQ is more marathon than sprint. It requires perseverance, resilience, and adaptability to overcome adversities when bridging cultural divides. This grit and a steadfast commitment to continuous learning empower leaders to stay grounded yet adaptive as they forge collaborative unions across cultures. While this journey of holistic CQ development is profoundly personal, organizations play a pivotal role. Beyond just providing training, top companies are embedding CQ into the fabric of their talent and culture. They evaluate for it, nurture it through immersive experiences, and ensure leadership models aspirational behavior. In our era of unprecedented global connectivity, transcendent leadership capability is predicated upon mastering Cultural Intelligence. Developing multidimensional CQ through committed personal growth interwoven with robust organizational support can unlock new frontiers of innovation and growth. Those leaders and companies prioritizing developing this holistic skillset won't just survive the multicultural age - they will be the architects who thrive by uniting the world's rich cultural diversity into a collaborative, competitive advantage.

Here’s why your brainstorming sessions at work are failing You're leading a brainstorming session and put a new idea on the table. And then? - Sharma Ji shoots it down - Gupta ji raises a warning flag - Khanna ji voices his concerns Why does this happen? Good ideas need space to grow. But when you add critical thinking too early, it's like watering a seed to death. You’ll kill the idea. So next time, try diverging first. ✅ Be silly ✅ Get outside the box ✅ Come up with 100 bad ideas What next? Converge. ✅ Ask what's possible. This is where you start being logical along with ambitious ✅ Be selective. Align the strengths and weaknesses of the team with the proposed ideas and their execution to onboard the best choices ✅ Improve what's left. Have backups and try to reduce their ill-effects After that, go ahead and critically think all you want. The best way to implement critical thinking is to allow an outflow of ideas first instead of negating everything that’s presented Fail-fast does not work well in every situation. Chronology samajhiye before expecting better outcomes #personaldevelopment #brainstorming #teamdiscussions #bestadvice