Every organisation has targets to meet. The challenge is to think of the most effective way of getting there, again and again.

Thinking is something we learn to do. We pick up different thinking habits, and there is a lot we can do to control our thinking to become more effective.

Traditionally, innovation and ideas came from the CEO or MD and everyone else implemented them. Unless there was instruction to consider alternatives, the classic comment to alternative suggestions was ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. This is OK in stable times, but we don’t live in stable times.

Now, things change, quickly, and organisations need to fight to survive and grow. They require mindful, thoughtful, innovative teams to drive their strategies, processes and product development. People who are close to the coal face and feel empowered to contribute their thoughts as well as their skills and knowledge. Everyone can be a centre for innovation.