Innovation

Laura Wayland-Smith Hatch
GravurEzine Publisher & Editor

Anyone who knows me knows that I’ve always been a huge Apple fan. I enthusiastically made the move from ancient, non-intuitive CPM technology in the mid 1980s to a “modern” Mac to publish my first book.

Steve Jobs was at the forefront of the Mac GUI (Graphic User Interface) technology; he revolutionized computing power, making personal computers user friendly and accessible to “non-geeks” for the first time. He ignored the naysayers who believed that computers would never become the small, easy-to-to-use tools that every business and almost every household depends upon to day. He was an innovator, and continues to be so today.

“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”
— Steve Jobs

Steve knew that to be successful that he could not be a follower. He needed to be a leader, inspiring the people within his company to new heights of creativity—both in technology and marketing. Even in tough times, or should I say especially in hard times, he encouraged people to take risks, to think outside the box.

Forward Thinking
Today, few of us have remained untouched by the economic challenges of the recent year, and many companies have taken what I call a reactive approach to weather the financial storm. They have withdrawn into what they believe is a self-preservation mode, focusing on cost-cutting measures and staff reductions. It’s a deadly cycle that destroys employees’ morale and loyalty and can, ultimately, destroy a company rather than help it survive. It’s a natural reaction, but it is not forward thinking.

So, let’s leave the doom and gloom behind! Instead of allowing reactive responses to dominate, now is the time for leaders to step forward with proactive and innovative solutions.

Now is the time to do some strategic planning, investigate new product development, and focus on researching your customers’ needs. Ask them what their wish lists are—what services and products they would like to see offered.

“In troubled times a business needs enduring values, the best talent,
and an ability to ‘zoom out’ and see past the chaos in front of it.”
— Jim Collins - Author of “Good to Great”

Don’t allow the economic chaos around you to take control of your future. Become a leader. Look within at the innovative and creative assets that are your employees, share your hopes and concerns, and harness their energy and ingenuity to begin building that forward motion

Like Steve Jobs, imagine the possibilities!

Please don’t hesitate to send me your thoughts—positive or negative. I can be reached at laurah@gravurexchange.com.

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