Balancing Creativity And Efficiency

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗼 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹—𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱? In research conducted with Johnathan Cromwell, Kevin J. Johnson, and Amy Edmondson, we studied more than 160 innovation teams—including those in a Fortune Global 500 company—and found that it's not just how much teams learn that matters, but when and how they learn. We identified four core modes of team learning: 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘃𝗲 — assessing goals, roles, and strategies 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 — brainstorming, prototyping, testing new ideas 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 — scanning the environment for trends, signals, and shifts 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 — drawing lessons from others who’ve done similar work The most effective teams didn’t try to do everything at once. They began and ended with reflexive learning, anchoring their work in shared understanding. They placed exploratory learning (experimental and contextual) in the middle. This rhythm—reflection → exploration → reflection—helped them reduce friction, integrate insights, and build real momentum. We also found that vicarious learning can be combined with reflexive learning in the same project phase with positive results. But when teams mixed reflexive with experimental or contextual learning in the same phase, performance suffered. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆: Innovation doesn’t thrive on more learning. It thrives on structured learning. Teams that sequence and separate their learning activities make faster, clearer progress. We’ve summarized the findings from our research, published in Administrative Science Quarterly—a leading journal in organizational research—in this new Harvard Business Review article. Link in comments.

“Collaborative Innovation” - new cartoon and post Disney alum Paul Williams once shared the brainstorming method developed by Walt Disney. Disney used to separate the act of coming up with and executing ideas into three distinct steps (and associated mindsets): The Dreamer, The Realist, and The Spoiler. As Paul wrote: “By compartmentalizing the stages, Walt didn’t let reality get in the way of the dream step. The realist was allowed to work without the harsh filter of a spoiler. And, the spoiler spends time examining a well-thought idea… something with a bit more structure. “When we brainstorm alone and in groups – too often – we tend to fill the room with a dreamer or two, a few realists, and a bunch of spoilers. In these conditions, dream ideas don’t stand a chance.” The Dreamer mentality specializes in blue sky thinking without constraints, the Realist mentality puts practical structure to the ideas, and the Spoiler asks the hard questions and kicks the tires. We need all three mindsets. But we need those mindsets at the right time and in the right way. Walt Disney would go so far as to dedicate different physical rooms to each mindset. These rooms helped prompt what mindset was required at each stage. They helped ensure that innovation remained both creative and practical. I’ve been thinking about these stages and mindsets in the context of AI. Several studies (including new research at Wharton) have shown that while Generative AI can help boost the quality of individual ideas, they can also limit the diversity of ideas. There can be a “Great Same-ening,” as Ian Whitworth once put it. As the Wharton study’s authors wrote: “The true value of brainstorming stems from the diversity of ideas rather than multiple voices repeating similar thoughts… “Diversity is often overlooked, but it needs special protection. If you don’t solve for it explicitly, you won’t get it.” Part of the challenge and opportunity of incorporating AI into innovation is deciding what collaborative roles we want humans and AI to play. Assigning roles like The Dreamer, The Realist, or The Spoiler could be a way to start. AI alone won’t create a culture of innovation. >>> To sign up for my weekly marketoon email newsletter, click here: https://lnkd.in/gG4GkZsj For related cartoons and all the links in this post, click here: https://lnkd.in/g9Dumagx #marketing #cartoon #marketoon

I need to get better at being worse at my job. Here’s why: I hate making mistakes. I have unreasonably high standards. And (I cringe to type this) I just want to be the best at everything I do. If reading that made you tired, you’re right: perfectionism is exhausting. Maintaining constant high standards takes time and emotional commitment and causes stress. Just as bad is that perfectionism interferes with my relationships. I tend to hold those around me to the same high standards (MY standards, not THEIRS). So when they (reasonably) fail to meet the standards, I can get resentful and impatient. My creativity suffers too. When I’m focused on being the best, I get way too “heads down” and miss what’s happening around me. I know this perfectionist habit will not be easy to break, but I’m determined to start the process by asking myself these five questions: 1. How can I make this task less stressful? ➡️ Rather than “how can I do this perfectly?” I’m asking, “what could I do to make this easier?” For example, I’ve started giving myself time limits for how long I’ll work on a project, or outsourcing parts of it to others. 2. Is that mistake the end of the world? ➡️ I guarantee it’s not. So stop pretending it is (Amy!). 3. Are you being nice to yourself? ➡️ When it’s time to review work I remind myself that I’m not perfect and that’s OK. 4. Can I lower my standard and still be satisfied with the outcome? ➡️ Chances are yes. What would the end result look like if I dialed it back 10 or 20%? 5. Am I ruminating or problem solving? ➡️ Sometimes when I overthink something I convince myself that it’s helpful. Now I ask myself if I’m solving a problem or just spinning. 🌟 On avoiding “compound perfectionism”: The sneaky thing about perfectionism is that it makes me want to be perfect at not being perfect. (A gift that keeps on giving!) So while these questions are meant to help me change my habits, I do NOT want them to become another unreasonably high standard. So if (just kidding, when) I forget to ask myself these questions, I have to let it go. I have to say: “It’s okay, Amy. You’re doing really well. You’re learning new habits, and it takes time to change. I’m proud of you for trying something new and challenging.” Here’s to being worse at my job(s), from writing to parenting and everything in between. Are you with me? (And for more on this, see the link in the comments.)

The biggest risks I’ve taken in my career never felt risky in the moment. They just felt necessary. I think we often confuse risk with recklessness, like it has to be this giant leap off a cliff with dramatic music playing in the background. But the real personal risks, the ones that shape your career, they sneak up quieter than that. It’s putting your hand up for something you’re not sure you can do yet. It’s offering a different opinion in a room full of consensus. It’s asking for feedback you may not like or admitting that you’re stuck when everyone expects you to have the answers (and yes, that part is hard on the ego). Career development doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens in the friction between who you are and who you want to become. And risk is often the thing that creates that friction. Not because it guarantees success, but because it shakes you out of comfort, and forces you to engage with uncertainty in a way that builds muscle. That “stretch” feeling is not always pleasant, but it’s usually a sign you’re not coasting (and I don’t want to coast). Over time I’ve realised that playing it safe can be its own kind of risk. You end up becoming really good at things that no longer challenge you, building a reputation for reliability in a space you’ve already outgrown. And then one day you wake up and wonder why nothing feels exciting anymore. I don’t think the goal is to take big risks all the time, but to take the right kind of risks - the ones that align with where you want to go, not just where you happen to be. So if something feels a little scary but a little right, I’ve learned to listen. that that feeling usually means there’s something worth exploring. Maybe that’s the real trick to career growth — learning to be just uncomfortable enough.

🧭 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 This week, we explored the dynamic interplay between stability and innovation within Enterprise Architecture (EA). The discussions underscored that true architectural excellence involves mastering both simplicity and complexity with intention. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀: ① 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘃𝘀. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘁𝘆 Simplicity reduces cognitive load and accelerates decision-making, while complexity, when purposeful, drives innovation. As noted, “𝙂𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙨 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙞𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙩𝙮; 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙩.” ② 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝘁 Stability isn't about rigidity; it's about providing a foundation that enables teams to take calculated risks. By offering clear interfaces and strong governance, we allow innovation to flourish without compromising core systems. ③ 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗚𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 Controlled innovation requires designated spaces for experimentation. Utilizing minimum viable architectures and rapid prototypes allows for testing ideas without destabilizing the system. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 ✦ Nadzeya Stalbouskaya emphasized that, “𝙎𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙨; 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙤𝙡𝙨.” She highlighted the importance of knowing when and where to apply each to build trust and drive innovation. ✦ Jesper Lowgren reinforced the idea that EAs play a critical role in shaping environments where bold ideas can emerge without destabilizing the system. ✦ Amarnath Bandekar introduced the concept of the “𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 & 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻” triangle, suggesting it as a framework to balance stability and innovation. ✦ Michael D. Stark offered a sporting analogy, comparing the balance in EA to a good kick in rugby followed by a good chase, emphasizing the importance of execution following strategy. 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 Enterprise Architecture goes beyond stability and innovation as a choice to harmonizing them. By intentionally designing systems that are both robust and adaptable, we can navigate the complexities of modern organizations and drive meaningful change. --- ➕ Follow Kevin Donovan 🔔 👍 Like | ♻️ Repost | 💬 Comment 🚀 Join 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬’ 𝐇𝐮𝐛 👉 https://lnkd.in/dgmQqfu2.

In a crowded marketplace, the businesses that win aren’t always the ones with the best products. They’re the ones that make their value unmistakably clear. I was walking through the Bryant Park Holiday Market in New York City. A swirl of lights, music, and more than a hundred vendors all trying to grab attention. Most booths were charming. Clever names. Cute displays. Plenty of personality. But they all blended together because you had to stop and figure out what they actually sold. Then I saw it. A simple sign. No fancy design. No clever branding. Just three words: “Gifts for Golfers.” Instant clarity. Who they serve. What they offer. Why someone should stop. In a sea of generalists, they stood out because they were specific. And it made me think about how often we bury our own value under jargon, creativity, or complexity. We assume people will get it, but most of the time they’re busy, distracted, and making decisions in seconds. So here’s the real filter to use: Can someone understand who you help and how at a glance? Because whether it’s your LinkedIn profile, your website, or the way you introduce yourself, clarity is a competitive advantage. The easier you make it for people to see themselves in your message, the faster the right opportunities find you. Clarity isn’t the opposite of creativity. Clarity creates space for the right kind of creativity that attracts the people you’re meant to serve.

𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗪𝗖𝗕 (𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲) Balancing a full-time job you love with creative side projects can be challenging. Here are some strategies that help me maintain my cool and manage it all effectively. ✨ 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙙𝙪𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 I schedule my posts in advance for LinkedIn and Substack, 2-3 weeks ahead. This eliminates the 'pressure' of content creation and allows for a more sustainable workflow. There are platforms like Hootsuite, Buffer, or native scheduling features. I wrote this post on the evening of Aug 9th. ✨ 𝙐𝙨𝙚 𝘼𝙄 I have a personalized customGPT trained on my writing style, interests, and previous work that significantly streamlines my ideation and content creation process, I provide my idea and I focus mostly on tweaking it, it helps a ton having the core structure already there when it comes to content. ✨ 𝙋𝙤𝙢𝙤𝙙𝙤𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙣𝙞𝙦𝙪𝙚 This time management method helps you maintain focus and prevent burnout. Work in 25-minute intervals with short breaks in between. ✨ 𝙏𝙖𝙨𝙠 𝙗𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 I group similar tasks together (e.g., all social media posts, content development, writing) to maximize efficiency. And I repurpose content. ✨ 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙥𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙨 I develop core themes or topics that I can expand upon across various platforms and formats. ✨ 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 I collaborate with fellow creators, which expends reach - Diego Granados, Peter Yang, Shyvee Shi, Satish Mummareddy, Allie K. Miller, Aishwarya Srinivasan, Zach Wilson and more ✨ 𝘿𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙩𝙚 I have a great team of 5 for my AI PM Academy that help me with operations, editing, graphics, community and much more that helps me free up my time. ✨ 𝙏𝙤𝙤𝙡𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙨 - Notion to organize my short/long-term ideas, deadlines, and progress. - Canva of course for graphics & Descript for video editing. ✨ 𝙎𝙚𝙡𝙛-𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘽𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 - Saying no to opportunities that don't align with my goals. There's nothing wrong to saying no in a polite way, people understand and respect that. - Make sure the creator world still sparks joy, because if it doesn't then it's probably time it evolves to something new.

The lack of clarity in organizational communication is one of the leading causes of employee frustration and turnover. In particular, unclear instructions – like the infamous “pls fix” became memes. And yet, the equally unhelpful “Do better, bosses” seems to be the most typical response. But how many have been taught the foundations of clear managerial communication? Let’s do better, shall we – and by that, I mean – let’s clarify how managers can provide clear instructions. But without micromanaging and killing creativity. In this article, I develop a clarity + creativity communication formula by modifying the 5Ws (What, Why, Who, Where, When) and 1H (How) framework used in project management. This can turn "pls fix" into: What (is the task): Streamline the presentation. Why: We want the client to know we do not waste time. How: Focus on the core message – we can deliver results with an efficient and proven process. Provide findings from the latest quarterly report and two examples.  Who: You are responsible. When: It needs to be ready by Tuesday. And then, to support innovative thinking, we can add the C (Creativity) statement like "If you come up with any suggestions for making this even more memorable/impressive/convincing, let me know." The same approach works equally well for the shop or store floor or the boardroom. Read on for more research, examples, and specific cases! None of us are born master communicators. But a structured framework supporting both clarity and autonomy can help. #communication #management #creativity #innovation #clarity #performance #motivation

Working longer hours the way to stay productive and successful I agree, there is a time to hustle and grind. I have done that when building my business. Have I been able to sustain it? Yes, and it costed my health, relationships and eventually work, itself. What I have learnt is a blessing - White Space. I learned this in art class, where I realised that what brings life and depth to a picture is the white space—the gaps that allow the main elements of the painting to stand out. Setting aside intentional “white space” each week actually fuels greater progress. Productivity doesn’t come from being constantly “on”; it comes from knowing how to recharge and protect your energy strategically. Here’s why white space matters: → Clarity: When you take intentional breaks, mental clarity improves, leading to sharper decisions. → Sustained Energy: Small pauses help keep energy levels high throughout the day, reducing burnout. → Creativity Boost: Giving your mind space to wander fuels creativity and innovative problem-solving. It’s not relentless hustle that keeps productivity high, but the rhythm of recharging, refocusing, and rejuvenating. So, don’t get caught up in the “always be grinding” mentality just because it’s popular. True productivity lies in balance. Find a way to weave in small moments of rest that fit your rhythm. That’s how you create sustainable success—one intentional pause at a time. #highperformance #coaching #productivity #mentoring

Are you addicted to likes? Are you endless scrolling through your LinkedIn feed? Do you feel your stomach in knots the first 30 minutes after you press post? Do you question yourself: will this post spark a conversation, be ignored or will this land me in LinkedIn jail? Balancing the Scale: Social Media’s Allure and the Quest for Authentic Engagement Being active on social media can be a double-edged sword. The addiction to ‘likes’ and the stress of constant content creation present can be challenging. I’ve been there. Here’s what I’ve done to get past this. 1. Recognize the ‘Like’ Addiction: We often equate the success of our content with likes and shares, but this can distort our authentic voice. Remember, true value lies in genuine engagement, not just in numbers. 2. Schedule and Limit Engagement: Allocate specific times for social media interaction to avoid being consumed by it. This helps in maintaining focus on our real-world tasks and responsibilities. 3. Curate Your Feed: Follow and engage with individuals and groups that inspire and add value. A cluttered feed can lead to information overload and stress. 4. Embrace the Long Game on LinkedIn: Building meaningful connections and sharing insightful content consistently are more beneficial in the long term than chasing instant gratification. 5. Set Realistic Social Media Goals: Define what you aim to achieve through your presence on platforms like LinkedIn. Measure success not just by immediate engagement, but by the quality of connections and conversations you inspire. 6. Take Regular Breaks: Stepping away from social media is vital for mental health. Regular breaks can refresh your perspective and enhance creativity. I take a day off a week. 7. Stay True to Your Story: In the world of content creation, authenticity is key. Share stories and insights that are genuinely yours, resonating more with your audience and feeling less burdensome to create. Navigating social media’s highs and lows is part of our professional journey. How do you manage the balance between seeking engagement and maintaining authenticity? Share your strategies and experiences. P.S. Have you ever taken a step back to reassess your social media strategy? What insights did you gain? #whatsyourstory #storytelling #socialmediastrategy #wellbeing #mentalhealth