http://www.doughall.com Discussing the Art & Science of thinking Smarter & More Creatively Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:28:11 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Yesterday I spent the day in meetings in Washington DC talking to various parts of the Federal government on how to accelerate innovation driven business development in the USA. As I reflected on the meetings this morning I realized that what I “saw” was very different than my perceptions ... http://www.doughall.com/2009/10/23/intelligent-life-forms-in-washington-dc/ Reading the front page of today's USA Today business section I found that the key stories tell everything you need to know about innovation. 1. Suzuki has a new Car that "could lift the automaker out of obscurity in the USA" • Lesson:  The power of innovation to transform sales success 2. Linux ... http://www.doughall.com/2009/10/23/innovation-lesson-from-todays-usa-today/ Just watched Crystal Pepsi Ad - it's been a long time since we worked on it. It was supposed to be the "more refreshing cola - because of no sticky caramel aftertaste"  somehow from concept to execution it didn't quite make it. http://www.doughall.com/2009/09/27/what-a-leap-into-the-past/ I'm looking for "active learning" demonstrations, experiments, homework assignments that can help students learn a few fundamental principles for my undergraduate and graduate courses in Innovation Engineering at the University of Maine. Active learning is where the students discover, see, feel and experience the principle - instead of having it simply ... http://www.doughall.com/2009/09/27/help-need-ideas-to-help-students-learn/ Remember when weekend play meant going outside, finding whoever was around, and playing whatever seemed fun at the time?  When the big kids taught the little kids how to choke up on a bat, kick a football, or shoot a foul shot?  When sports were fun for everybody, regardless of ... http://www.doughall.com/2009/09/26/great-dads-play-great-sports/ I just got the e-mail pasted below from Barry Bruns who I have the utmost respect for.  He is retired from the Military following a spectacular career of leading change.    His comments were about my New Book - North Pole Tenderfoot -  that tells the story of my ... http://www.doughall.com/2009/09/26/something-that-made-me-stop-and-think/ Just watched an amazing video by Priscilla Petty called The Deming of America It's straight talk from the master on what needs to be done to get America cranking again. One thing that caught my attention was Deming's refusal to work with P&G when they asked him to help them.   ... http://www.doughall.com/2009/08/23/are-you-really-committed/ It is absolutely crazy how many times we can be asked "why" by our kids.  Just when we think we have exhausted all the possible whys another is surely to follow.  Why is the sky blue?  Why are peas green?  Why are carrots good for your eyes?  Why can’t I ... http://www.doughall.com/2009/08/23/if-i-hear-why-one-more-time/ Customers have little time to compare, contrast, and consider your product or service offerings. The never-ending flood of voice mail, email, and junk mail has caused customers to develop a protective barrier against new marketing messages. To break through the barrier, you need to be OVERT about the customer benefit you offer. The classic mistake that ... http://www.doughall.com/2009/07/18/3x-odds-of-success-by-being-overt-about-benifit/ You can't watch an hour of television without seeing an ad for a new automobile or a commercial about drug abuse in America.  Rock stars, television personalities, and politicians all have the same message...stop using drugs.  Millions and millions of dollars have been spent on this campaign to have kids ... http://www.doughall.com/2009/07/18/dads-just-say-yes-to-spending-time-with-your-kids/