Brainstorming: Seven Steps to Put Ideas into Action

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brainstormingIdea generation and brainstorming are the first steps towards innovation, but execution and implementation are also important parts of the process.

It’s an area where many organizations struggle — moving from the creative brainstorm into prototyping or building actual systems.

In an article first published in the MITSloan Management Review and summarized in a recent Inc.com post, innovation consultants Joseph V. Sinfield, Tim Gustafson, and Brian Hindo argue that “while brainstorming sessions are frequently fun for participants, the output is too often considered impractical just days after the exercise.”

As a way to combat ineffective brainstorming, they offer a seven-step game plan to improve brainstorming, and help put those ideas into meaningful action. Read more

Six Steps to Salvage an Unproductive Day

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unproductiveIn the life of a business leader, there will be unproductive days.

Despite our best efforts to stay ahead of the uncertainties that come with running a business, occasionally everything seems to go sideways.

Unproductive days are never welcome. They can negatively affect your organization’s success, rattle your self-confidence, and elevate stress levels when deadlines are looming.

In a recent Entrepreneur post, contributor Lisa Evans shares six steps (with insights from productivity experts Peggy Duncan and Les Taylor) that you can take to rescue an unproductive day. Read more

Five Morning Rituals for a Productive Day

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productiveBusiness owners can sometimes struggle with staying productive, and accomplishing more every day.

Combine long hours, ample opportunities for digital and social media distraction, as well as poor time management, and the result is slipping work performance and a lot of wasted effort.

In a recent Entrepreneur post, James Reinhart, co-founder of thredUp.com, gives five ways leaders and employees can optimize their morning routines to maintain high levels of productivity all day long.

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Five Steps to Increased Efficiency

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efficiencyProductivity. It’s something that all business leaders and professionals are thinking about — how to do more in each day, eliminate the distractions, and keep focused on achieving the big business goals that lie ahead.

In a recent Inc.com post, contributor Minda Zetlin interviewed Brian Moran, author of the “12 Week Year,” for his thoughts about how professionals can use efficiency to meet their goals faster.

Moran suggesting thinking of the calendar not as 12 months, but 12 weeks.

“If you embrace 12 weeks as a year, it changes your thinking. It creates a healthy sense of urgency. Twelve weeks is long enough to make significant progress, but near enough that you don’t lose sight of the deadline.”

Here are five steps to get started with Moran’s 12-week planning model: Read more

How to Create a High-Energy Workforce

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workforceAs a business owner and leader, you know the importance of building the right team for long-term growth and success.

You’ve brought the right people in and you’re positioned to do great things.

In a recent inc.com post, contributor and author of Leading Through Uncertainty Peter Economy, shares his tips and strategies for tapping into an active and engaged workforce.

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