innovation

Unleashing Creativity

Mike Brewer · May 24, 2023 · Add Comment

Photo by Vincent Guth on Unsplash

Embracing the great outdoors might not be the first thing that comes to mind when pondering how to improve executive performance. However, recent studies suggest taking a walk on the wild side can significantly impact creativity, problem-solving, and decision-making skills – all essential attributes for C Suite executives. By stepping away from the confines of the office and immersing oneself in nature, executives can unlock new ideas and foster innovation.

Multiple research studies have demonstrated the cognitive benefits of interacting with nature. From improving memory and focus to reducing stress, nature is a powerful ally in enhancing executive performance. Immersing oneself in the natural environment provides an opportunity to disconnect from the stressors of daily work life, allowing the mind to recharge and regain clarity. As a result, C Suite executives can return to demanding roles with renewed energy, focus, and creative thinking.

In high-stakes business, decision-making is often fraught with pressure and anxiety. However, spending time in nature can help alleviate these negative emotions and improve overall well-being. Nature can lower cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress, and release endorphins, resulting in a more balanced and relaxed mind. This mental tranquility can enhance decision-making skills, leading to better outcomes for the executive and their organization.

Aside from its impact on mental well-being, nature fosters creativity and innovation. A change of scenery can stimulate new thought patterns, encouraging executives to approach problems and challenges from different angles. By disconnecting from electronic devices and engaging with the natural environment, executives create space for fresh ideas to emerge. This creative boost can lead to the developing of unique solutions and strategies, setting the stage for business growth and success.

Moreover, nature has a remarkable ability to inspire collaboration and teamwork among executives. By engaging in outdoor activities, C Suite leaders can develop stronger connections with their colleagues, fostering a sense of camaraderie and trust. This collaborative environment can lead to innovative ideas and solutions that might not have been realized in a traditional office setting.

To reap the benefits of nature’s impact on executive performance, consider incorporating outdoor activities into the regular work routine. Walking meetings, team-building exercises, or short breaks outside can improve mental clarity and creativity. Additionally, encourage fellow executives to engage in outdoor pursuits further to enhance nature’s positive effects on their professional lives.

Embracing nature’s role in enhancing executive performance presents a unique and powerful opportunity for C Suite leaders to elevate their decision-making, problem-solving, and innovation skills. As these executives learn to harness the power of the natural environment, they can inspire their teams and drive their organizations toward greater success. So, take a walk on the wild side and witness the transformative effects of nature on both personal and professional growth.

Mastering Leapfrogging for Multifamily Success

Mike Brewer · May 22, 2023 · Add Comment

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Leapfrogging is a powerful strategic concept for multifamily C-suite executives, allowing businesses to gain a competitive edge by surpassing competitors and achieving rapid growth. By focusing on innovation, embracing change, and adopting transformative technologies, multifamily companies can achieve exceptional results and enhance their market position. The punchline thought is to look at your business and determine ways to skip implementing an incremental change when you can implement an exponential one. Parts of Africa are forgoing critical infrastructure because they can use drones to accomplish similar outcomes.

The multifamily industry has witnessed significant shifts in recent years, changing demographics and evolving customer preferences. C-suite executives must stay agile and adaptable to seize opportunities presented by these trends. Leapfrogging can accelerate success, enabling businesses to bypass incremental improvements and leap ahead of the competition. In my head, leaping from a traditional PMS to a CRM-driven PMS is an example. Outsource accounting is the piece that keeps companies tethered to legacy systems and focuses on consumer-driven applications.

To embrace leapfrogging effectively, multifamily executives must establish a clear company vision. This involves identifying growth opportunities, pinpointing weaknesses, and determining how technology can drive transformation. Executives can position their company for sustainable success by creating a robust strategic roadmap.

C-suite executives must foster a culture of innovation within their organization. Encouraging creativity, supporting experimentation, and rewarding risk-taking can help create an environment where leapfrogging thrives. By empowering team members to challenge the status quo and pursue groundbreaking ideas, multifamily companies can unlock new levels of success. I encourage people to think about their workflows through the following: automation, centralization, elimination, and outsourcing.

Multifamily executives must be prepared to invest in the right technologies and partnerships. Businesses can access the tools and expertise needed to leapfrog the competition by prioritizing cutting-edge solutions and collaborating with industry-leading partners.

By mastering leapfrogging, multifamily C-suite executives can transform their organizations and achieve lasting success in a rapidly changing industry.

Disruption

Mike Brewer · April 3, 2023 · Add Comment

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Clayton Christensen, a Harvard Business School professor and renowned innovation expert, has been credited with coining the term “disruptive innovation.” This concept refers to a new technology or business model that disrupts an existing market and creates a new one. Christensen’s work has helped shape how we understand innovation and has impacted the business world.

One of Christensen’s most influential books, “The Innovator’s Dilemma,” was published in 1997 and has since become a classic in business strategy. In the book, Christensen argues that established companies are often too focused on maintaining their existing business models and optimizing their existing technologies, leading to complacency and preventing them from adapting to new disruptive innovations. He argues that companies need to be proactive in identifying and embracing disruptive innovations to stay competitive in the long term.

Another key concept that Christensen has introduced is the “jobs to be done” framework. This framework argues that people don’t just buy products or services; they “hire” them to do a job. For example, someone might “hire” a drill to make a hole in their wall, but they really want a way to hang a picture. Understanding the “job to be done” can help companies to identify new opportunities for innovation and create products and services that better meet the needs of their customers.

Christensen has also written about the importance of “modular innovation.” This refers to breaking down complex products or services into smaller, more manageable pieces that can be developed and improved separately. This can help companies to iterate more quickly and bring innovations to market faster.

Despite his numerous contributions to innovation, Christensen is not without his critics. Some argue that his theories are too focused on technology-driven disruption and neglect other important factors, such as regulation and social norms. However, his work remains highly influential, shaping how we think about innovation and disruption.

Multifamily Idea Composting

Mike Brewer · March 19, 2023 · Add Comment

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“The concept of composting is not new, but applying it to personal and professional development is an innovative approach. At Google X, we have introduced the idea of ‘idea composting‘ to turn discarded ideas into valuable ones.

As with any compost pile, idea composting requires several key elements: reflection, diverse inspiration, and action.

First, one must reflect on past failures and record them in a “failure journal.” This is not to dwell on the negative aspects of the failure but rather to understand the valuable lessons that can be learned from the experience. And to keep a record of the idea as some innovation presents well before its time. As technology and innovation advance, you might return to the journal to resurrect parts and pieces of old ideas to marry new ones.

Secondly, actively seek out new ideas and perspectives. This can be achieved through reading, networking, and engaging with individuals who have different backgrounds and experiences. The more diverse the sources of inspiration, the more likely one is to find new and valuable ideas. Always be learning and recording.

Thirdly, actively look for connections between seemingly unrelated ideas. This is where true innovation lies – in the ability to combine different perspectives and approaches to arrive at new solutions to problems or new ways of tackling a project.

Finally, take action on your ideas. Even if an idea seems unlikely to succeed, it is worth testing and experimenting with. If they don’t work out, be patient and put them in the composter.