Sometimes, life surprises us with moments of reflection. I remember vividly having a captivating conversation with a taxi driver. While stuck in traffic on my way to the airport after hosting a South by Southwest meet-up on neural diversity hiring, he curiously asked about the key to my success. His question inspired me to jot down my 7 rules to live by. Continuing with the Best of Killer Innovations, I share them with you in the hope that they'll assist you in achieving personal and professional triumphs.

My 7 Rules to Live By
Stay connected to the people who matter most.
Keep in touch personally, not just electronically. Nurture deep relationships with loved ones.
Listen more, talk less.
Be genuinely interested in others, actively listen, and ask questions—end conversations by offering help.
Make commitments you're genuinely committed to.
Don't make false promises. If you can't deliver, be honest and find alternative solutions.
Don't get caught up in credit.
Credit will find its rightful owner. Embrace teamwork and acknowledge others' contributions.
Acknowledge and encourage others.
Success is a result of collective effort. Express gratitude and provide words of encouragement.
Handle criticism with compassion.
Pause before responding. Count to ten or wait a day. Choose compassion over rudeness. Seek advice before reacting.
Set priorities based on the “5 Fs.”
Faith, Family, Friends, Fitness, and Finance. Filter demands based on these priorities.
Now that you have my 7 rules to live by, create your own set to achieve personal and professional success. Before you start, let me just tell you one thing: success is personal, so your set of rules should be, too. Think about what matters to you, what principles guide you, what values you hold dear. Create a set of rules that aligns with them. And don't forget to make them actionable, measurable, and realistic. Remember, these rules to live by are not a one-time thing. They're a continuous practice that helps you grow, learn, and become a better version of yourself.
To learn more about rules to live by, listen to this week's show: The Best of Killer Innovations: 7 Rules to Live By.

The Best of Killer Innovations: 7 Rules to Live By

An award winning podcast and nationally syndicated radio show that looks at the innovations that are changing our lives and how their innovators used creativity and design to take their raw idea and create a game-changing product or service.

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Self-Improvement

The creative process often seems elusive, with the best ideas striking at the most unexpected moments. That magical spark can be exhilarating when an idea materializes seemingly out of nowhere. But how do you harness that creative energy at will rather than waiting for it to strike spontaneously? Many would argue it's impossible, blaming their struggles on the creative block. However, overcoming creative block is achievable and more straightforward than you imagine. In the following sections, I'll share five actionable steps to help you overcome creative block and tap into your creativity whenever needed.

Understanding Creative Block
Creative block is akin to writer's block—that feeling stuck when faced with a blank canvas, page, or screen, unable to generate ideas. It's frustrating when your creativity seems to vanish when you need it most. The prevailing myth suggests you must wait for creativity as if an external force controls it. However, the truth is that your creativity never truly leaves you; it's always there, waiting to be accessed.
The Root Causes of Creative Block
Several factors contribute to creative block, including fear of failure, perfectionism, burnout, and a lack of routine. Fear of failure often prevents people from starting a creative endeavor, while perfectionism leads to procrastination as individuals wait for ideal conditions. Burnout can result from prolonged creative efforts without adequate rest or relaxation, while a lack of routine makes it difficult to sustain creativity consistently.
Five Steps to Overcome Creative Block
Step 1: Establish a Routine
Establishing a structured creative routine is crucial for maintaining consistent creativity. Set aside specific times for creative work and prepare your workspace to minimize distractions. Treat your creative time as non-negotiable, blocking it on your calendar to ensure uninterrupted focus.
Step 2: Embrace Imperfection
Learn to embrace imperfection and be willing to accept that your first attempts may not be perfect. Perfectionism can be paralyzing, hindering your creative process. By embracing imperfection, you free yourself from the pressure to produce flawless work and allow yourself to experiment and grow.
Step 3: Seek New Experiences
Break out of your routine and seek new experiences to stimulate your creativity. Engage in activities outside your comfort zone, travel to new places, or join clubs and communities that expose you to different perspectives. New experiences feed your subconscious mind, sparking fresh ideas and insights.
Step 4: Practice Self-Care
Prioritize your mental and physical well-being to support optimal creativity. Take breaks, engage in hobbies unrelated to your creative pursuits, and incorporate exercise into your routine. Recharge your creative energy by taking time to relax and rejuvenate.
Step 5: Collaborate and Share
Collaborate with others and share your work to gain valuable feedback and insights. Join online and offline creative communities where you can connect with like-minded individuals and exchange ideas. Sharing your work fosters collaboration and provides opportunities for growth and learning.
Conclusion
Overcoming creative block is not about waiting for inspiration to strike; it's about committing to the creative process and taking action. By establishing a routine, embracing imperfection, seeking new experiences, practicing self-care, and collaborating with others, you can overcome creative block and unlock your full creative potential. Remember, your creativity is always within reach—now go out and create something amazing!

5 Steps to Overcoming Creative Block

In the competitive landscape of business, innovation isn't just a buzzword; it's the driving force that fuels growth, sustains relevance, and pushes companies into the future. While many organizations focus on cultivating innovation from within, there's an alternative path that's often overlooked—innovation by acquisition. During my decade-long stint as CTO at HP, I was front and center for over 80 acquisitions, all in pursuit of innovation by acquisition. These experiences ranged from roaring successes to cautionary tales, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of integrating innovative ventures into established corporate ecosystems.

The Wall Street Conundrum
The challenge? Aligning traditional valuation metrics with the intangible benefits of innovation-driven acquisitions. When companies are acquired for their innovative potential, their valuation often hinges on a ‘future promise'—a projection of how their innovations will contribute to new revenue streams, market differentiation, and competitive advantage. This speculative nature makes it tough for investors to gauge the true value of these deals, leading to market skepticism or overenthusiasm.
The Complex Dynamics of Integration
Achieving a return on innovation through acquisitions requires more than just integrating new technologies or products. It involves merging distinct corporate cultures, teams, and visions—a task that's easier said than done. Traditional Wall Street valuation models, adept at evaluating tangible assets, often fall short in these complex scenarios. This gap can result in volatile investor reactions, from inflated stock prices to sharp declines.
When Innovation by Acquisition Works
What sets apart successful innovation acquisitions from missteps? Clear objectives, defined metrics, and organizational alignment. Pursuing an acquisition with a clear goal of injecting innovation, backed by concrete metrics and aligned with organizational goals, smoothens the integration and value creation process. Yet, achieving this clarity is a challenge. Many leaders, enticed by quick innovation fixes, dive into acquisitions without fully understanding their motivations or exploring alternative paths.
The Road Less Traveled: Alternatives to Acquisition
Before diving into acquisitions, leaders should consider less risky, more efficient alternatives. Collaboration forms, like patent licenses or cross-licenses, can offer access to desired technology with lower risk and financial outlay. These approaches also shield companies from Wall Street scrutiny, allowing for more freedom and flexibility in pursuing innovation.
Navigating the Acquisition Maze
For those committed to innovation by acquisition, success hinges on understanding what makes these ventures thrive. It's about delving deep into organizational cultures, values, and future visions. It requires meticulous post-acquisition planning to ensure the acquired company's innovative spirit isn't stifled by bureaucratic hurdles or cultural resistance.
Steps to Successful Innovation Acquisition

* Identify Strategic Alignment: Ensure the acquisition aligns with long-term strategic goals and innovation objectives.
* Conduct Thorough Due Diligence: Assess the target company’s culture, technology, and market position beyond financials.
* Involve Key Stakeholders Early: Engage leaders and employees from both organizations to foster alignment and address concerns.
* Define Clear Metrics and Goals: Establish concrete metrics for success and guide the integration process.
* Plan for Cultural Integration: Address cultural differences to avoid clashes post-acquisit...

80 Attempts at Innovation by Acquisition: Lessons Learned

The term “innovation theatre” has become increasingly prevalent in today's competitive landscape. It refers to the superficial acts organizations undertake to appear innovative without genuinely committing to the hard work of genuine innovation. This misleading facade often leads to wasted resources, missed opportunities, and damaged reputations. So, how can you spot this illusion, and what can you do to foster real innovation?

Misleading Motivations
Innovation theatre stems from a desire for quick wins and external validation rather than a genuine commitment to innovation. Organizations often invest heavily in flashy innovation labs, prime locations, and top facilities, prioritizing appearance over substance. This focus on the exterior rather than the core innovation process is a telltale of innovation theatre.
Common Signs

* Flashy Innovation Labs with No Substance: These labs serve as mere showpieces, lacking the foundational research and development needed for true innovation.
* Hackathons with No Follow-Through: While hackathons generate excitement and publicity, they often lack a concrete plan for implementing the ideas generated.
* Premature Product Announcements: Some companies announce groundbreaking products that never materialize, creating buzz without delivering value.
* Frequent Rebranding of Innovation Initiatives: Constantly changing the name and logo of innovation projects can signal a lack of focus and commitment.
* Adopting Buzzwords Without Strategy: Incorporating trendy terms like blockchain, AI, or quantum without a clear implementation plan is another form of superficial innovation.
* Treating Innovation Funding as Optional: Viewing innovation as a discretionary expense rather than a strategic investment can hinder long-term success.

The Pitfalls of Innovation Theatre
Engaging in innovation theatre can have several negative consequences:

* Wasted Resources: Organizations spend money on appearances rather than genuine innovation efforts.
* Lack of Sustainable Progress: Short-term gains fail to translate into long-term success.
* Damaged Reputation: A lack of substance can lead to skepticism from stakeholders and the public.
* Missed Opportunities: Focusing on the facade of innovation means missing out on genuine growth opportunities.
* Cultural Impact: Innovation theatre can foster a culture that values style over substance, leading to cynicism and disengagement among employees.

The Benefits of Authentic Innovation
In contrast to innovation theatre, authentic innovation offers numerous benefits:

* Sustainable Success: Genuine innovation creates a pipeline of ideas that fuel long-term growth.
* Industry Leadership: Authentic innovation allows organizations to lead rather than follow, setting industry standards rather than chasing them.
* Better Resource Allocation: When we focus on genuine innovation, we allocate resources more effectively, which leads to higher productivity and greater employee satisfaction.
* Cultural Impact: A culture of genuine innovation fosters critical thinking, continuous improvement, and trust among employees.

Choose Authenticity Over Illusion
Innovation is not a strategy; it's a survival tactic. Organizations must move beyond the illusion of innovation theatre and commit to the hard work of genuine innovation. By doing so, they can unlock sustainable success, industry leadership, and a culture of continuous improvement. So, the next time you encounter an organization engaging in innovation theatre, ask yourself: Are they truly committed to innovation or me...

STOP Performing Innovation Theatre

In an age of constant change, we cannot overstate the value of adaptability and innovation. Yet, many of us find ourselves entrenched in a pattern of repetitive thinking, relying on familiar approaches to navigate the complexities of life. However, there exists a transformative alternative: creative thinking. This article explores the power of creative thinking and provides insights into how to cultivate this invaluable skill.

Understanding Monotonous Thinking
Monotonous thinking, akin to traversing the same path repeatedly, offers comfort and predictability. Our brains, naturally inclined towards efficiency, gravitate towards established patterns and solutions. While this may have sufficed in the past, it poses limitations in today's dynamic world. Signs of monotonous thinking include a preference for routine, reluctance to embrace change and resistance to new ideas.
To determine whether you're entrenched in monotonous thinking, follow this checklist. If you agree with several of these statements, it might be time to infuse more creativity into your problem-solving strategies.

* Repetition Comfort: You prefer sticking to routines and methods you're already familiar with, even when they're not yielding the best results.
* Solution Stagnation: When faced with a problem, your first instinct is to apply solutions that worked in the past, regardless of their fit for the current issue.
* Risk Aversion: The thought of trying something new or unconventional makes you uncomfortable, leading you to avoid it altogether.
* Idea Dismissal: You tend to quickly dismiss new ideas without fully exploring their potential benefits or applicability to your situation.
* Feedback Resistance: People often respond to criticism or suggestions for alternative approaches with defensiveness rather than curiosity or openness to change.
* Inspiration Insufficiency: You struggle to find inspiration or generate new ideas, often feeling stuck in a creative rut.
* Change Challenge: Changes in your environment or routines are viewed more as threats than opportunities for growth and learning.

Creative Thinking: An Overview
Creative thinking characterizes a willingness to challenge conventions and explore unconventional solutions, contrasting with monotonous thinking. It involves asking probing questions, envisioning possibilities, and embracing diverse perspectives. Creative thinkers exhibit curiosity, flexibility, and fluency in generating ideas. By fostering a creative mindset, individuals can unlock innovative solutions and navigate challenges with resilience and adaptability.
At its core, creative thinking involves three key components:

* Originality: The ability to develop fresh and unique ideas that deviate from the norm.
* Flexibility: The capability to adapt to new situations, to shift perspectives, and to consider multiple aspects of a problem simultaneously.
* Fluency: The ease with which one can generate a wide range of ideas on a given topic or problem.

Employing creative thinking doesn't mean abandoning logic or practicality; instead, it means enhancing your problem-solving arsenal with a richer diversity of strategies and perspectives. By balancing critical thinking with creative exploration, individuals and organizations can uncover solutions that are effective but also innovative and tailor-made for the complexities of today's world.
The Pitfalls of Monotonous Thinking
Often fueled by fear and comfort, monotonous thinking can hinder personal growth and innovation. Psychologist Carol Dweck warns against the dangers of a fixed mindset,

How to Shift from Monotonous Thinking to Creative Thinking

Experiencing rejection of your idea can feel like a punch to the gut. Whether it's a proposal, a suggestion, or criticism, the initial sting can be hard to shake off. But rejection isn't the end—it's an opportunity for growth and improvement.

Personal Experience
92% of people give up on their dreams after facing rejection only once. Yet, it's this very challenge that has the power to refine our visions and propel us towards achieving greatness.
We've all been there. Rejection hurts, but it's not about you—it's about the idea. It's essential to separate your self-worth from your ideas and recognize rejection as a chance to refine and enhance your concept.
Attitudes to Adopt
1: Gain Perspective
Shift your focus from the rejection to what you can learn. Use feedback to improve and explore alternative solutions.
2: Embrace Failure
Failure is a stepping stone to success. Learn from rejections, grow, and persevere.
3: Build Resilience
Develop Resilience to bounce back from setbacks. Reframe your thoughts and focus on growth opportunities.
4: Cultivate a Growth Mindset
See every rejection as a chance to learn and improve. Ask yourself what you can learn from the feedback.
7 Steps To Soliciting Feedback
Over my 30 years in the innovation game, I have had more ideas rejected than I would care to count. However, each rejection has taught me something new about my idea and ultimately helped me improve it.
The journey from conception to realization of an idea is fraught with challenges, not least of which is navigating the sea of opinions, critiques, and suggestions that come your way. How do we solicit this feedback constructively, and how do we move forward with grace and determination?
Here are the seven steps I follow to solicit, analyze, and act on feedback:
Step 1: Identify Your Feedback Circle
Not all feedback is created equal. Begin by identifying individuals whose opinions you value —mentors, peers, or critics with a history of insightful observations. This selective approach ensures that the feedback you receive is relevant and constructive. Remember, the goal is to refine and improve your idea, not to gather as many opinions as possible.
Be careful not to solicit feedback only from people who agree with you. Diverse perspectives can offer valuable insights and help challenge your assumptions.
Step 2: Frame Your Request for Feedback
When soliciting feedback, clarity is key. Be specific about the kind of input you're looking for. Are you seeking thoughts on the feasibility of your idea, its potential impact, or suggestions for improvement? A well-framed question makes it easier for others to provide useful feedback and demonstrates your seriousness about refining your idea.

* Some sample questions to start with include:
* What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of this idea?
* How can I improve upon this concept?
* Do you have any suggestions for potential challenges or obstacles?

Step 3: Create a Safe Space for Honest Feedback
One of the biggest hurdles to receiving honest feedback is the natural inclination to defend our ideas against criticism. To overcome this, explicitly state your openness to constructive criticism and assure your feedback circle that their honesty is appreciated and essential. This creates an environment where feedback is given and received in the spirit of mutual growth. Remember, feedback is not a personal attack but an opportunity for improvement.
Step 4: Actively Listen and Take Notes
As you receive feedback, engage in active listening.

How To Handle Rejection of Your Idea

Killer Innovations with Phil McKinney - A Show About Ideas Creativity And Innovation

The Best of Killer Innovations: 7 Rules to Live By

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