It’s one of the toughest challenges an executive faces: How do you get your people to think creatively—to challenge the status quo—while still keeping your everyday operations running smoothly? Innovation is not like most other business functions and activities. There are no reliable templates, rules, processes, or even measures of success. In a sense, each act of innovation is a unique feat, a leap of the individual—or the collective—imagination that
Habits
April 29, 2025
Activation Energy and the Chemistry of Building Better Habits
There is a concept in chemistry known as activation energy. Here’s how it works: Activation energy is the minimum amount of energy that must be available for a chemical reaction to occur. Let’s say you are holding a match and that you gently touch it to the striking strip on the side of the match box. Nothing will happen because the energy needed to activate a chemical reaction and spark
April 25, 2025
Don't Make a New Year Resolution. Create a Start-Stop-Continue Plan Instead
It’s natural to look for a fresh start when we’re seeking change. A new calendar year, fiscal year, or new job can provide the impetus for trying something new. It’s a positive opportunity. The problem is that we often neglect the broader context. That’s why research shows that half of all adults make New Year’s Resolutions, but only about 10% follow-through for more than a few months. Too many people