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Net Zero and The Law of Horse Manure
Catastrophic predictions that spell dark days for humanity are nothing new. The Times predicted in 1894 that in 50 years time, every street in London would be buried under nine feet of horse manure. It was the crisis of all crises. There was, to be fair, some evidence for this. As urban populations rapidly increased… Read more
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The Gravitational Pull Of Business As Usual
The interior secrets of black holes are guarded by a one-way light-trapping boundary called the event horizon. This horizon is the point, according to NASA, that the gravitational influence of the black hole becomes so intense that not even light is fast enough to escape it. A very different horizon exists in many organisations, except… Read more
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Imitation Breeds Mediocrity
Imitation breeds mediocrity. Copying others distracts from developing your own unique strengths and capabilities. True innovation comes from looking inward, understanding your own context and culture, and finding creative solutions that work for you. Copying stifles this. Read more
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Relationships aren’t very efficient, but efficiency isn’t always effective
“CEO-ification” refers to the trend of nonprofits and charities to increasingly mirror corporate and military structures. Often they will adopt similar language, hierarchies, and strategic approaches. The trend began in the late 20th century, with a significant acceleration in the 1980s and 1990s. Read more
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Should Organisations Sleep On Their Problems?
We know that sleep allows your brain to process information and consolidate memories. This can lead to new insights or perspectives on a problem when you wake up. Sleep helps regulate emotions and reduce stress levels. A calmer mind might be better equipped to tackle challenges. Additionally whilst you sleep, your brain continues to work… Read more
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Combatting The Cobra Effect With Bottom-Up Planning
The Cobra Effect refers to a situation where an attempted solution to a problem actually makes the problem worse, as a result of unintended consequences. The term comes from a story during the British colonial rule of India. Concerned about the number of venomous cobras in Delhi, the British government offered a bounty for every… Read more
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Institutional ‘Forgetting’ and The Failure of Corporate Memory
Corporate amnesia or ‘institutional forgetting’ -is a phenomenon where organisations lose valuable knowledge, experience, and insights over time. This can be a gradual process or a sudden occurrence, and it can have significant negative impacts on an organisation’s performance, decision-making, and innovation. Read more
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Understanding Spreadability in Innovation
Guerrilla gardening, a movement born in New York City, spread globally as a way to reclaim neglected spaces. The movement gained momentum through word-of-mouth and grassroots activism. It emphasized clandestine planting and direct action. Will Lilley, from NHS England, highlighted the importance of collaboration, understanding the entire system, and embracing adaptation in spreading innovation. Examples… Read more
Paul Taylor 