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Over at Management Matters, David Chassels has this to say about my guest post on my new book, Sidestep and Twist: I do not think James quite understands what “real” innovation is about. First is to recognise from idea to a production ready product takes minimum 5 years more likely 10. He like many confuses innovation with just trying to…

I’ve just completed reading Inside Apple by Adam Lashinsky. Other reviewers elsewhere have noted it is a quick and easy read, and it does offer some fascinating insights into a company we all follow slavishly, no matter our feelings about its products. I read this book having completed Isaacson’s biography of Steve Jobs a few weeks ago, and I would…

Meritocracy trumps hierarchy: Companies don’t get a “pass” on Wall Street or the London Exchange becauswe they’re been around way before new companies. Political candidates aren’t immune from beingf being upended when they don’t perform. Why should work be any different? Companies that focus on the meritocracy are focused on growth. Those that pay too much attention to hierarchy are limiting their…

PoopPiles: defn: all those things people leave around which will derail your programme if you go near them. Don’t look forward, look downward! When you’re building brand new things, here are five points to note if you want to avoid PoopPiles : PoopPiles are everywhere.  They’re strewn around like landmines, and, if you step in one, you don’t explode, you…

I think the professionalization of innovation is something that companies must do sooner rather than later. One of the interesting things about working here at Spigit is you get to meet lots of different innovation teams, across many cultural, sector and national boundaries. Invariably, the innovators are people who’ve been thrown into the role from doing something else. Why? Because…

Online retailers had a heck of 2011 holiday season, up 15%. Whew, in a tough economy no less. But the news wasn’t as good for some physical retail stores. Sears Holdings announced disappointing sales and will be closing over 100 stores. Best Buy same store sales dropped, and some have expressed their sentiment that the retailer is on a long downward slide.…