HBR IdeaCast How Leaders Can Encourage Imagination
Jun 1, 2021
Martin Reeves, managing director at Boston Consulting Group’s Henderson Institute and co-author of "The Imagination Machine," discusses the vital role of imagination in corporate success. He reveals how imagination, often overlooked in business, can be cultivated through structured practices. Reeves shares strategies for leaders to foster creativity, using examples like Lego's transformation through playful innovation. He emphasizes a systematic approach, offering a six-step framework to inspire imaginative thinking and drive growth in organizations.
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Corporate Imagination Paradox
- Large corporations excel at exploiting existing innovations but struggle to create new ones.
- Their growth potential, or vitality, decreases with increasing size and scale.
The Need for Reinvention
- The rapid decline of competitive advantages necessitates constant reinvention for large corporations.
- Imagination, often viewed as an individual, momentary act, can be systematized for organizational use.
Seeking Surprise
- Seek surprises (anomalies, accidents, analogies) as triggers for reimagination.
- Reflect on these surprises and consider their potential meaning for your business.
