I have just returned from Croatia. I was a keynote speaker at the European Organization for Quality's conference. My topic was "Innovation in a Time of Transition".
My two weeks in Croatia were incredible. What a beautiful country and great people. Everything was perfect. It is interesting how much they have been able to accomplish in re-building their country after the recent wars.
When I think about Innovation today, in this most interesting of times I come to this conclusion. This is based on substantial research and practical experience in this arena.
Helping your organization to achieve more innovations, to create the culture to support innovative thinking and to adopt a process for innovations is a major undertaking. It can seem daunting to know where to begin. However, the most important first step is just that – to take that first step. It is a large and exciting change process. Even a small initiative can help to demonstrate the possibilities of a more robust effort.
Our future depends on nurturing creativity and intelligence rather than protecting the past by bailing out struggling manufacturers. In our time of Transition, there are opportunities for each of us to use our full creative talents to expand our businesses and industries for the future. In crises like these, nations, regions, cities and states can rapidly change ground; they can improve or lose position, depending on the actions they take.
This should be a time for renewed optimism as we move forward. It is a new period in our history and that always bring with it challenges. But it also brings with it new opportunities. Use innovation to move forward. Pessimism is a great killer. Optimism is the only attitude that can bring you through. I know in our firm, Business Improvement Architects, we have been affected by the economy so rather than hide away we are using our resources and money to develop new products and services. This economy has spurned us on to become more innovative. I am hopeful that this will make a difference. I know it will for you to.
MICHAEL STANLEIGH
About Me
- Michael Stanleigh
- In my role as CEO of the international consulting and training organization, Business Improvement Architects I give advice, train and coach leaders to improve their operational processes. I have been instrumental in helping my clients increase productivity and profits through strategic development, leadership performance, managing projects in crisis and implementing change management. I am also a management consultant who loves to share my business secrets for operational success with business audiences. I deliver keynote presentations to audiences around the world with the same passion, spark, energy and creativity that I give to my business clients. My combination of charm, humour and professional know-how are always a hit! I tailor all of my keynote presentations for each audience so that they are relevant and effective and include real life business stories to make them interesting. I earned the designation of Certified Speaking Professional. The CSP designation is the speaking industry’s international measure of professional platform skill as conferred by the International Federation of Professional Speakers.