Mike Maddock will show you how to manage the healthy and essential tension between the divergent and convergent thinkers on your team during his general session on Thursday, Oct. 11 (8:45 - 9:45 p.m./08.45 - 9.45), at IMEX America.
We recently contacted him to learn more about his session and what you can expect to take away from it.
One+: What mistakes do most professionals make when approaching problem-solving?
Mike Maddock: People often turn to the wrong types of experts when solving problems. I love the quote, "I don't know who discovered water, but I am pretty sure it wasn't a fish." Most professionals try to solve challenges with really smart people from within their industry. Unfortunately, seasoned, industry veterans are too often experts at what isn't possible. Like water to a fish, they have grown unaware of the amazing possibility all around them.
Industry experts also often overlook the changing needs of the market. This is because past experience or antiquated business models push them to support the wrong kinds of ideas. For example, dentists aggressively objected to teeth whitening products because they didn't promote "gum health." Meanwhile, consumers wanted white teeth and didn't care about their gums. Turns out, four out of five dentists were wrong.
The lesson? Make sure to tap experts from outside your industry when trying to generate break-through ideas. I'll show you how in my presentation.
One+: What are some easy ways to encourage a more innovative culture within an organization?
MM: Walt Disney need Roy Disney, and Steve Wozniak needed Steve Jobs. The best companies strive to find a balance between their Idea Monkeys and Ringleaders. Balancing the highly creative idea people with the focused operators will create a culture that knows how to focus, fail forward and celebrate big ideas.
One+: What are the main takeaways people should be able to get from going to your session?
MM: How to be more objective so you can see a big idea that is right in front of you. How to find a yin for your innovation yang. How to balance an innovation portfolio. What's the most important talent for your and your kids to have if you want to be innovative–and how to get it.
Mike Maddock's general session is sponsored by Travel Alberta.