Management Tip of the Day: Take an Imagination-Driven Approach to Management

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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 APRIL 2, 2010 Take an Imagination-Driven Approach to Management Measurement is critical to understanding current and past performance, but data can only tell you so much. Measurement can fall short when you need to predict the future. Many companies have been blindsided by unpredictable changes in the market: see GM and Motorola. To envision the future, use your imagination. Employ qualitative insights, inferences, and logic to help you determine what the future might be like and how your company can adjust, prepare, and be proactive. Think beyond what can be proven with data and use hypotheses and deduction to determine likely scenarios. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Management by Imagination" by Roger Martin. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: RELATED PRODUCT Creativity and the Role of the Leader Harvard Business Review Article In today's innovation-driven economy, understanding how to generate great ideas has become an urgent managerial priority. Suddenly, the spotlight has turned on the academics who've studied creativity for decades. How relevant is their research to the practical challenges leaders face? ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: BEST SELLERS 10 Must-Read Articles from HBR Guide to Better Business Writing HBR 2009: A Year of Management Ideas HBR's Must-Reads on Managing Yourself How to Get the Right Work Done PREVIOUS TIPS 3 Tips for Keeping Your Action Plan on Track 3 Questions Your Business Model Must Answer Confront the Top 3 Excuses for Not Speaking Up 3 Things to Do Before You Disagree With the Strategy Let Your Customers Sell to Themselves How to Be a Changemaker 3 Reasons You Shouldn't Leave Your Job A Cheap and Instantly Effective Social Media Idea 6 Steps to Sizing Up a Negotiation 3 Tips for Assessing a Job Offer 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)