The pilgrimage of change is hard. Before we start, we must believe there’s a way to get there. Before that, we must believe in the goodness of the destination. Before that, we must believe there’s a destination. Before that, we must want something different. Before that, we must see things......

Archeologists look back to see what was; they scratch the ground to find what the past left behind; then they study their bounty and speculate backward in time. But what makes a good archeologist? In a word – belief. Archeologists must believe there’s something out there, something under the dirt......

We all want to increase sales. But to do do this, our products must offer a better value proposition – they must increase the goodness-to-cost ratio. And to do this we increase goodness and decrease cost. (No argument here – this is how everyone does it.) When new technologies mature,......

It’s easy to get caught up in what others think. (I fall into that trap myself.) And it’s often unclear when it happens. But what is clear: it’s not good for anyone. It’s hard to be authentic, especially with the Fraternity of Team Players running the show, because, as you......

The stalled world economy will make growth difficult, and companies are digging in for the long haul, getting ready to do more of what they do best – add more function and features, sell more into existing markets, and sell more to existing customers. More of the same, but better.......

You might be a superhero if… Using just dirt, rocks, and sticks, you can bring to life a product that makes life better for society. Using just your mind, you can radically simplify the factory by changing the product itself. Using your analytical skills, you can increase product function in......

Engineers fear social media, but shouldn’t. Our fear comes from lack of knowledge around information flow. Because we don’t understand how information flow works, we stay away. But our fear is misplaced – with social media information flow is controllable. For engineers, one-way communication is the best way to start.......

Meeting agendas are a good idea. They make clear what will happen and they’re time bound. (At least good ones.) They look forward in time and shape what will happen. Meeting agendas are created by the organizer so others follow. It’s strange to think about, but from thin air, the......

The problem tree is big, old, and rugged with a fully developed branch network and the deepest roots. And nestled in its crown, set directly over the trunk, is the hidden tree house where the problem solvers play. The problem tree has a left and right, with its why branches......