Above the Line: When Altitude Limits Innovation (And What To Do About It)

Why asking where someone is working might be the most important question in hybrid work and workplace innovation.

In my issue about establishing a "North Star" vision, I encouraged readers to look up at the night sky for guidance through change and uncertainty.

Earlier this year, however, people across the Northeast spotted something less reassuring above: mysterious drones. The news reminded me of a story I overheard Michael Przytula tell at a WORKTECH held in Accenture’s NYC Innovation Hub, where the story occurred.

The Skyscraper Drone Dilemma

Michael's team ordered three professional-grade drones to explore potential office applications, such as deliveries between floors, immersive VR tours, or security sweeps. Their goal wasn't solving a specific problem, just experimenting with a new technology.

Despite being technical experts who implement smart building technologies for a living, the team hit an unexpected roadblock. After assembly, none of the three drones would operate. Following multiple rounds of troubleshooting, they reluctantly called technical support.

The support representative walked them through the same steps they'd already attempted, but nothing worked. Then came the pivotal question: "Where exactly are you located?"

👉 Click here to find out what happened and learn two important lessons for innovation programs and evolving support services to address hybrid work realities.

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The Workline is published by Phil Kirschner, Founder of PK Consulting LLC, and distributed every Thursday. It provides inspiring stories and quick wins you can implement tomorrow, helping you tackle cross-functional resistance and workplace challenges.