Seeking 'Transformation' doesn't indicate you are broken.
'Innovation' doesn't mean you throw everything you ever knew out. "Which comes first?"you ask. We'll get to that later.
It was suggested to me, ever so gently, that when a client hears about or reads my posts about 'Transformation', 'Innovation' and 'What Is Possible' this can sound scary or suggest they are failing. Hmmmm. He then shared that it might actually prevent clients from calling!Well, who wants that? Frankly, if one was this easily frightened, my invoice will give them heart failure. So this 'transformation' conversation could help me avoid this situation.
Change is hard. Sure. But it's a lot harder when you don't understand the real challenge, uncover the most logical and helpful path to overcome it and explain to everyone why and how we are implementing this innovation.
Let me introduce to you a small peek into how I approach a challenge.
My very frequent business traveler colleagues have faced this situation often. I'll keep it easy to follow and visualize. Just imagine it...close your eyes... wait, after you finish reading!
The Scene
In most hotel rooms, there is rarely enough 'flat surface' space for all we need to do. I am a Platinum Premier for Life with Marriott. I truly hope this means nothing to you! But it does mean I know this landscape well as some years have included 200+ nights of hotel stays.
The desk is typically placed awkwardly, with 8 pieces of hotel marketing, the phone, and lamp that won't budge, lack of plug-in spots. And then you think you might actually want to watch the news while working- TV refuses to bend. If you roll the chair back at all, you are usually backing up into the bed and can't move around it. The not-too-comfy chair in the corner looks appealing, but it's the wrong height! God forbid you think about eating in here also.
Are you with me? You've been here, too, right?!
One day, after 100s and 100s of nights in this situation, I stopped and just stood there. What was I missing, what could I use? I had a project requiring a lot of surface space for my notes, my laptop, all the things. Everything needed to be charged as well.
Bonus Tip #1- Think A-B-C on the road and you'll never regret it.
No matter what, Always Be Charging! No matter your device or battery power, if there is a USB or outlet nearby, use it!
Back to our story...hotel room, nowhere to go with all of my work...standing there, twisting my hair...
VOILA! AHA! EUREKA!
And What I Refer To As: My Life Before and After My Innovation
What could give me needed space, be adjustable, move near outlets, let me see out a window??? What could let me add on an L-extension to my desk or sit in a slightly softer chair while working? What could possible move up and down to the height I needed?
It was there. With a purpose of its own. But it was ready and willing to be called into duty. But I had to see it differently, think about it differently. Use it differently.
I should charge you for this.
Ready???
The Ironing Board! ( I heard you gasp!)
It was always right there!!! It took more than the challenge of needing the space. Millions have faced this. It took the willingness to step back and apply critical thinking, look for inspiration and innovation.
Nothing was thrown out. In fact, all of the pieces of furniture in the room actually became MORE useful, not less! My time in the room was LESS frustrating and MORE productive.
I used what was available to its Maximum Potential. And this is how I approach business challenges.
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From Challenge to Transformation in Results
Most companies face challenges. Or want to go all 'Next Level' and achieve more.
Clearly Define Your Challenge
Conduct A Clinical Examination of What You Currently Have Available - People, Stuff, Products, Buildings, Customers....
Curiosity! Shuffle it- Scramble it. What is it really? What could it be?
Collect All Ideas
Choose the Most Effective, Efficient, Easy and Enjoyable Path
Communicate To Everyone - And tell them how you arrived here. And what is now possible.
Create Transformation in Your Results and Culture.
Now that this is possible, What Else Is Possible?
Your 'Before and After' Innovation and Transformation
Now that you see me working here, happily, efficiently, what is a challenge you are facing?
If you are ready for the thrill today and the successful future offered you by applying Innovation and Transformation to your team, let's talk. Connect with me today and I guarantee we will have a great conversation. I love hearing what you are working toward and how we can help.
At Foster Strategies Group, we don't just talk about #Transforming Automotive, we live for it. We see a better future for you, using your people, your stuff, just changing it up to get the most out of everything you do.
Now back to the drawing, I mean Ironing Board. What is your latest Innovation? Please share them with us and definitely share those pics of you happily working away in your hotel room! If we get 10 or more pics by the end of May, I will give out a free night at a Marriott -out of my own points! I would love to spend them on you having a great night away- and I would really love to see your Ironing Board At Work pics!
The Ironing Board Innovation Awards are ON! Look for the Inspiration, Innovation and Transformation as you go...it's all around you. Your own 'Before and After' story is right around the corner.
-Laurie
If you are starting to think you and your teams would benefit from a partner who can bring new insights and success levels to your organization, Click here to set up a confidential conversation. Thank you again for reading this article!
https://meetings.hubspot.com/laurie19
PS: A special nod to a great colleague, George Nenni, of Generations Digital for his inspiration today!
Pps: Bonus Tip #2: Want Maximum Engagement and Results?
Always apply the Foster Strategies Group's 4 E's to any new venture with your team:
Is it Effective?
Is it Efficient?
Is it Easy?
Is it Enjoyable?
You make sure all of those - all four- are in place and you will be more successful than before!
#WhatIsPossible
#BetterTogether
#TransformingAutomotivePerformance