Innovation

Influencing the world in a tiny way

December 1, 2017

Think emojis aren’t very important in the grand scheme of things? Consider Jessica Morrison’s view of them. She’s editor of Chemical and Engineering News and co-author of a plan to introduce nine new science-themed emojis to the existing 1300 Unicode-approved characters we all know better day after day.

12 inspirational bumper stickers about innovative thinking

August 14, 2017

We guarantee that you’ll feel emboldened to think more creatively and ambitiously when you get a look at these bite-sized reflections on innovation.

One man’s bold push for recognition

August 14, 2017
In the late 1800s, the U.S. Department of Agriculture under James Wilson was setting up scientific research stations all over the country. George Washington Carver put in a bid for a black research station.

Leonardo da Vinci would like a word with you

August 9, 2017
By looking at the world in unusual ways, da Vinci made his surroundings fascinating and found the many challenges and wonders within them. Your job is such a wonder-filled place, whether you realize it right now or not.

Adopt ‘of course, but maybe’ mantra

July 19, 2017
Relying on what has worked in the past does not guarantee a better future. Sometimes, you need to buck conventional wisdom and start anew. Try Instacart founder Apoorva Mehta’s approach.

Post-it notes’ success, step by step

July 11, 2017
Many 3M engineers, production staff and salespeople doubted that any market existed for Post-it notes because scrap paper was already free. But Art Fry persisted, proving that all great ideas still must be sold.

Outside-the-box thinking? So passé!

June 9, 2017
Perhaps you’ve heard that innovators think “outside the box.” That’s old news. Given the complex interconnectedness of today’s economy—and technology’s ever-expanding reach—there’s a new way to approach innovative thinking.

Why aren’t you celebrating failure?

May 26, 2017
Most leaders like to celebrate success. But if you want employees to innovate, think about the benefits of celebrating failure, too. After all, no less sweat, toil or creative energy goes into major projects that don’t happen to pan out.

Churn your creativity 24/7

April 19, 2017
For Ramin Djawadi, the composer of “Game of Thrones,” the hit TV show, the creative process never shuts off.

Ask the edible spoon guy about patience

February 4, 2017
When you hit rock bottom, it’s tempting to cut your losses and give up, to drag out plan B and settle for something different than success. But resilient leaders find that perseverance pays off.