Management Tip of the Day: Get Unstuck When Innovating

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile JULY 30, 2012 Get Unstuck When Innovating To innovate, you need to think differently. If you find yourself struggling to get something started or you're stuck in the middle of a project, try to get into a new frame of mind: Get inspiration from outside. Think about what problems your customers are trying to solve. Spend time with them to understand what they actually need and how you might help them. Learn from mistakes. There's no such thing as a perfect plan. Assume your first idea is partially right and partially wrong, and then reassess your approach. Resist the pull of the core. Don't shift ideas toward how you currently operate, even if that's what you're most comfortable doing. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Four Ways to Think Like an Innovator" by Scott Anthony. Read the full post and join the discussion:» Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT Winning the Story Wars: Why Those Who Tell — and Live — the Best Stories Will Rule the Future HBR Press Book Trying to get your message heard? Viral storyteller and advertising expert Jonah Sachs takes readers into a fascinating world of seemingly insurmountable challenges and enormous opportunity. Learn how brands like Old Spice, Nike, the Tea Party, and Occupy Wall Street created and sustained massive viral buzz and how marketers and audiences can work together to create deeper meaning and stronger partnerships. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Choose the Right Leadership Approach Set Ground Rules for Your Global Team Make Your Presentation's Visual Aides Easy to Follow Don't Dismiss Critics of Change Start Your Team on the Right Path Conduct an Informal 360° Maintain Momentum for Your Change Effort Manage Your Team Indirectly Know What Your Customers (Really) Do Best Consider Your Employees' Career Paths All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's Must Reads Library Set Guide to Persuasive Presentations Guide to Better Business Writing Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing HBR's Morning Advantage The Harvard Business Review Morning Advantage delivers the latest business ideas from beyond HBR.org directly to your inbox every morning — and it is free! Sign up today >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2012 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)