Everybody can innovate

Summary

Innovation is part mindset and part structure.
 I believe everybody is capable of innovating, 
 but the two are not always in sync.

Based on this mindset and personal experiences from different cultural settings I have worked on creating what brings out the innovating spirit in all, regardless of industry, age or skill.

I have developed workshops and tools in range of intended application. Like “Power of circles”, “objective journey mapping” or “innovation funnel”, most of which can be tailored to group or desired outcome.

I have also created several speaking outlets and initiatives across the different companies I have been employed at. All with that one desire :

Everybody should innovate.

Shift mindsets. Build internal capabilities.

High-impact workshops that flip perspectives and spark action to future-proof products or legacy thinking.

But workshops are not the only thing that turns bold ideas into tangible, testable outcomes.

Developing the tools to extract your ideas

I have developed several tools, as part of any session, to encourage ideas to bloom wherever. Environments, company type and so many other variables warrants different approaches.

The correct experience for the audience

“The power of circles” (below) is an example of interactive sessions developed specifically for Japan, where group sessions work a little differently comparied to many other countries.

Promoting active participation

The only thing required is active participation.

 I work on encouraging that too. For exampleI I started “Tokyo Tabe Talk”. A platform that encourages honing individual speaking. Initially for internal use within the company _build, but have since grown to include more companies.

Adapting to structures

Structure. For the large or small, the intimate or public.

In cultural settings where generation in groups is difficult I’ve replaced WS by acting as a moderator in a more structured format. Prepped tasks and worksheets works well with hierarchical processes oriented folks.

Information design

The effectiveness of absorbing- and understanding hinges a whole lot on the shape of information. Information design has the power to get more people involved, active, engaged. It can spark ideas of innovation.

With every workshop, alignment meeting or ideation session I am still learning to adjust shapes to mind.