Innovative Concepts

Reccuring Moments

What experiences do we encounter that reoccur? How might we make recurring moments remarkable? Who has made those moments unforgettable for you? Which enterprises delight you each time you engage them?

I once ran laps at the upper deck of the Houston International Airport parking garage during a long layover. There was a couple in a car plane spotting at one of the better vantage points. Each time I passed their vehicle, they consulted their aircraft tracking app and informed me about an inbound aircraft that I could spot in the sky, which was soon to land. They took their passion, meshed it with my repetitive workout, and made it memorable. I still think about that moment from ten years ago.

Ideas Do Not Belong In Your Head

Models

Choosing a car model using only the letters and numbers displayed on a showroom wall may not provide sufficient differentiation. We want to understand the features and benefits of the models. More importantly, we want to map a point of confluence. Where do our needs and resources intersect with those of the available models?

On Course

How do you know if you are on course? What is your plan for landing this enterprise that was assembled while in flight?

Story

What is the story that goes with the above painting?

When have we presented an image that makes sense to us, but to an outsider, the narrative is too obscure to grasp?

Mixed

Is it trail mix if the ingredients are layered? Or, does it require that the components be combined?

Can you create a strategic plan with solitary goals? Or, do they need to be connected to the vision and mission?

AI

I prompted my photo app’s virtual assistant to identify images that contained artwork from my albums. Along with photos of traditional art from museums, it also produced some random pictures, including car tires that I had taken for an online ‘for sale’ post. I would not have selected the car tires as artwork if I had done this task manually.

AI is adept at compiling lists of information rapidly. It has yet to navigate the process of determining the validity of its response. For example, I received a special event announcement via email. There were several typos and a reference to a non-existent calendar date. This error-filled invitation was quickly followed by an apology email stating that the AI-generated draft had been sent before the professional team had started editing.

If we want something quick and are willing to accept inaccuracies, AI may be a good starting point. If we want a piece that will resonate, human oversight is probably required.

History or Opportunity?

Encountering a section of barbed wire fence that is coiled and leaning on an old fence post creates a moment of reflection. Does this fence line represent an era that is coming to an end? Or is it an opportunity to repurpose the fence line and generate a new narrative? A finish line can also be a starting line.

I recently completed a site visit for a youth education group. The former tenants of the building ran programs for preschool children. In the expansive community room, preschool furniture worth tens of thousands of dollars was piled high. It reminded me of the scene in the government warehouse from the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark. The preschool provider’s narrative is complete. The question now is whether somebody will start a new story by dispersing the preschool treasure to partner organizations. Will the provable fence line be revived or left dormant?

New Terrain

When emerging from a tunnel (actual or figurative), we encounter new characteristics. Terrain, weather, daylight, buildings, traffic, language, signs, density, and key landmarks change. It can reset out mindset.

How might we use the transitional moments to help us encounter terrain with a new mindset? How might the reveal create a sense of awe and wonder?

Greeting Committee

Who is the first person a guest encounters when visiting your enterprise? What is the setting in which this meeting takes place? Is it consistent with what your cause values? How do we balance safety, accessibility, a welcoming spirit, and functionality? What mindset does the first encounter establish?

What-if-concepts

Empowering those who inspire so they excel at the work that matters.