Management Tip of the Day: Forget Breakthroughs: Take Innovation Baby Steps

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   AUTHORS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile FEBRUARY 1, 2010 Forget Breakthroughs: Take Innovation Baby Steps Every innovator hopes for and works toward breakthrough innovations. But in tough economic times, innovation often requires too much risk for an organization and its change-resistant customers. Instead of dreaming of The Next Big Thing, focus on innovating in smaller, shorter bursts. Look for improvements to current products and services. Use small and cheap experiments to test new ideas. Seek out innovations that are easily adapted by consumers and don't require huge investments. These innovations are more likely to be palatable to your stakeholders and customers, and they're often the building blocks for larger, more long-term breakthroughs. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Find the 15-Minute Competitive Advantage" by Rosabeth Moss Kanter. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: RELATED PRODUCT HBR Tips on Your iPhone or iPod Touch FREE Native App Available Now in the App Store All of the tips you receive daily in this email newsletter are now available in app format on your iPhone or iPod Touch. Download the free app now! ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: ALSO OF INTEREST Design-Driven Innovation Innovation Tournaments Focus Intensely on a Few Great Innovation Ideas The Customer-Centered Innovation Map Managing Innovation, a Balanced Scorecard Reader PREVIOUS TIPS 3 Tips to Avoid Wasting Time Online Be a Better Listener How to Set Up a Growth Group 3 Steps for Asking for Help without Looking Stupid Get Creative by Zoning Out How to Manage Your Pet Peeve 4 Tips for Deciding Whether to Accept a Project How to Approach a Colleague Who Is Making Mistakes 3 Tips for Hiring Former Employees Want to Be Happier at Work? Take Ownership HBR Online Trial Access HBR's in-depth business archives FREE for 14 days. Register today » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 1-800-545-7685 (617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)