Robert F. Brands

In the Innovator's DNA we discussed whether innovators are born or made. Research has shown that creativity is not a genetic predisposition but a result of a pattern of behaviors -- so it can be concluded that all innovators must share a certain set of characteristics that have...

While Apple is often the most highly touted company for its innovation success, 3M is a global innovation company that has remained under the radar for its long-term innovation plans and successes. With $30 billion in sales and products sold in nearly 200 countries, 3M has made significant...

We Americans need to wake up -- now -- and stop acting like spoiled, immature children. Elected officials need to put aside partisanship -- now -- and do what's in the best interest of our country and speak the truth to the electorate. And we all must do this without...

There are plenty of reasons to innovate. Especially now more than ever before, sustained innovation is the means to developing marketplace showstoppers that lead to profitable growth. Innovation is not a luxury that can be placed on the back burner, even for today's successful companies. So before beginning your next...

Innovation and Creativity are words that are at times used interchangeably in the research and development process, but they have two distinct meanings. While creativity is about coming up with the big idea, innovation is about executing the idea and making it a business success. Do not confuse the two....

One of the hottest topics in business management today is open innovation. The concept uses an open business model for companies to "co-innovate" with their partners, suppliers, and customers -- in order to accelerate the rewards of innovation. For example, a small or midsized company develops...

Besides possessing creativity and resilience, the best innovators are the ones who can effectively communicate and "sell" their ideas to upper management. Innovators often have to get executive approval for support on a new product or venture. No matter how good an idea is, it will not sell itself. The...

Every organization needs an innovation champion. This very important role requires exceptional people skills and communication skills, and the ability to be a master consensus builder among all players in the organization. Innovation champions come in a wide range of styles of interaction. Renowned psychologist Michael Kirton developed the Kirton...

Innovation is an indispensable force that turns ideas into money. It is the lifeblood of any organization. In order to implement sustainable innovation in 2012, you need to define innovation in a manner that makes strategic sense for your organization, and have the know-how to properly construct and use a...

Antarctica Thrives as Hub of New Thinking

Exactly 100 years ago December 17, an explorer found glory upon the Antarctic continent. One month later, his rival met a bitter, sad end. Yet, both share lessons in the power of innovation built on best practices -- and the pitfalls borne of...

One of the first steps of achieving innovation in the new product development process is to assemble a team. While the organization's leader may be tempted to call in "the usual suspects," people with a history of success in that field, it is important at this point to include fresh...

Nearly every attempt at success is met with failures along the way, and properly managing those failures can actually benefit the Innovation process. As an Innovation leader, do you celebrate failure and risk-taking in your organization? Doing so will broaden horizons and lead to more valuable ideas towards a culture...

The U.S. business community is facing a war of intelligence attrition. Fortune 500s will see countless experienced knowledge workers walk out the door over the next two decades. The U.S. Armed Forces are losing millions of officers and key personnel to retirement.

For even those companies that thrive on innovation,...

Every organization has a diverse group of personalities that respond differently to particular management styles. The creatives of an organization are often the group that stands out and may be misunderstood. How are creatives perceived in your company? What is the nature of the creative type, and how can they...

In an organization, it's human nature to resist change and to stick with the status quo that's often more comfortable and safe. Some of your teammates in your company may be devil's advocates who claim they want what's best for the business while they oppose initiatives for Innovation. As a...

Electric cars seem like the socially conscious, feel-good investment among environmentally friendly consumers. In corporate boardrooms, the innovation seemed well liked indeed.

What's not to like? Cars like the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt reportedly can drive for a day or more on a full electric charge. The Toyota Prius...

When was the last time you experienced your product like it was your first time?

Product development is a process of cycles -- followed by closure. We innovate and create a new concept. Assemble teams to research, develop, manufacture and market the product or service. We then ship it to...

Some 'Improvements' Demand Serious Questions

Next time you fill up at the pump, check for a new sticker: "Contains up to 10% Ethanol."

It represents "innovative" efforts by Big Oil, Big Agriculture and Big Government to make a dent in America's consumption of greenhouse-gas producing fossil fuels -- and foster...

One hundred years ago, two men set out on a Race to the South Pole.

Both Englishman Robert Falcon Scott and Norwegian Roald Amundsen were experienced explorers. They knew the polar conditions of Antarctica. They knew with reward came inherent risk.

Their shared tale...

The year is 1910, and Henry Ford's Model T is rolling off the assembly line. It soon will join some 8,000 other automobiles currently in the U.S., motoring along at a brisk pace of 10 mph along 144 miles of paved roads - and "gassing up" at the local druggist.