Introduction to Intuitive Thinking

Intuitive thinking sometimes referred to as 'thinking on autopilot,' is based on prior experience and mental shortcuts. It involves using heuristics and pattern recognition to make decisions quickly and efficiently. Intuitive thinking is essential because it allows us to make decisions without pausing for conscious analysis or deliberation. This helps us react swiftly when we don't have enough information or time – which is common in innovation.

One can argue that intuitive thinking is essential to everyday life. It allows us to save energy and make decisions more quickly than if we were attempting to analyze every single detail of a situation. It also allows us to see/intuit things that are not obvious such as solutions to problems others do not see.

Furthermore, intuition often helps us make better decisions than conscious thought processes alone. Studies show that we can trust our instincts in specific scenarios, such as predicting the outcome of sporting events or guessing the answer to a problem before checking the answer key.

Intuitive thinking has drawbacks, however, as it relies upon past experiences, which may not always lead us in the right direction. Personal biases and assumptions may influence and cloud our judgment. As such, we must take time out from relying on intuition periodically and instead use conscious thought processes more deliberately when making decisions.

Example of Intuitive Thinking

An example of a person using intuitive thinking to innovate can be seen in the story of Henry Ford and his development of the Model T automobile. Ford had a vision of making an affordable car that could be used by families, and he knew that he needed an innovative solution.

He began experimenting with different designs and materials until he eventually settled on mass-producing vehicles. However, it was not just the technical specifications that made this decision successful; Ford also relied on his intuition to ensure that what he was trying to achieve would be successful. He believed that people were looking for something new, reliable, and affordable, and he took a chance to create his product line – one that would revolutionize transportation as we know it today.

Ford trusted his gut instinct and went against industrial trends at the time, believing in himself and his vision despite the risks involved. His intuition guided him toward making the right decisions, such as choosing assembly lines over hand-building cars or inventing new tools like wheel molds instead of relying solely on manual labor. Ultimately, these decisions ushered in a new era for car manufacturing – one where efficient production could result in cost savings for consumers without sacrificing quality or reliability.

By trusting his intuition, Henry Ford created an innovative solution to a problem that had existed for years: how to make transportation more accessible and affordable without compromising quality or reliability. It was only after years of trial-and-error experimentation coupled with intuitive thinking that Ford succeeded with his Model T automobile design – leading to one of the greatest inventions of all time.

History of Intuition

Intuitive thinking has been a part of human decision-making for centuries. It is the ability to make decisions based on instinct, insight, or gut feeling rather than relying solely on conscious thought processes, facts, and figures. While intuitive thinking has long been viewed as an innate trait that some people possess while others do not, recent research suggests otherwise; anyone can cultivate intuition through practice and experience.

The concept of intuitive thinking dates back to ancient Greece when philosophers such as Plato argued that all knowledge was already present within the soul and could be accessed if one were willing to trust their instincts. This idea spread throughout Europe during the Renaissance and gained popularity among scientists who saw its potential applications in fields like medicine.

In more modern times, intuitive thinking has become increasingly accepted by academics and business leaders alike due to its efficiency in helping us make quick decisions without being overwhelmed by too much information or analysis paralysis. As a result, many organizations have begun utilizing data visualization tools that allow them to analyze large datasets better while allowing room for intuitive thought processes when necessary.

Our brain programming allows for rational thought and intuitive insight, essential in decision-making processes like identifying growth opportunities or creating something new from scratch. While rational thought enables us to analyze data objectively, intuitive thinking gives us access to subconscious information, which may provide more creative answers than traditional methods alone.

Ultimately, this shows that with proper training and practice, anyone can develop their own unique decision-making style, which includes both conscious analytical and intuitive thinking.  Combining the two makes it possible to make better decisions more quickly and efficiently than ever before.

Types of Intuition

Developing Your Intuition

Developing intuition is essential in improving decision-making, problem-solving, and overall well-being. We can take several steps to nurture our intuitive skills, such as calming the mind, focusing on one goal at a time, trusting our gut feeling, and seeking expert advice.

Calming the mind is critical to developing intuition. We must clear away distractions and noise to listen more closely to our inner voice. Meditation and mindfulness exercises are great ways of achieving this, as they help us become aware of our thoughts and feelings without judgment or attachment. Taking time each day for introspection will help us gain greater insight into ourselves and our environment.

Focusing on one goal at a time also helps in harnessing intuition. When faced with tough decisions or looming tasks, it helps to narrow down our options and prioritize what needs to be done first. Making lists or breaking down complex tasks into smaller achievable goals helps us keep track of progress and focus on the task at hand.

Trusting your gut instinct can also be beneficial when trying to make sense of information or finding creative solutions to problems quickly. Intuition typically works faster than conscious thought, so learning when and how to trust our gut feelings can help us make decisions more efficiently and accurately.

Seeking advice from experts is another excellent way of boosting our intuitive powers. When faced with complex problems that require specialized knowledge or experience, talking to someone who has been through similar situations can give us valuable guidance about what might work best for us in any given case. They may also be able to provide insight into how others have approached similar dilemmas in the past, which could provide valuable lessons for us going forward.

Developing intuition takes practice, but it can be conducive when making difficult decisions or solving complex problems quickly and accurately. Achieving a state of calmness, clarity, focus, and trust in oneself is vital to honing this skill set over time.

When Should You Follow Your Intuition?

Using intuition to make decisions versus more structured approaches has benefits and drawbacks. Intuition can be used in decisions when the situation is complex, abstract, or uncertain, when the decision-maker needs a "sixth sense" to interpret specific cues, or when speed is of the essence. Intuitive decision-making allows us to draw on our experience and knowledge, subconsciously process data, and act quickly in response to changing conditions.

However, there are also situations where more structured approaches are more beneficial. If a decision involves complex information that needs to be understood in detail, a methodical approach will likely result in a better outcome than relying on intuition alone.

For example, if you need to choose between two investments with complicated financial models attached, it would be wiser to take your time and analyze the underlying data rather than rely on instinctive feelings about which option is best. Structured approaches are also helpful when dealing with highly predictable tasks such as budgeting or task management—following a set plan makes it easier to stay on track.

Although intuition can help us make snap decisions in difficult situations, it pays off to reflect before committing ourselves. It's important to remember that intuition is not infallible. Sometimes we lack enough information or experience with the problem at hand for our intuitions to be accurate.

Conclusion

Intuition allows us to use our experience, knowledge, and gut feelings to make snap judgments in difficult situations. The more experiences you have, the better your intuition will likely be, and vice versa. It also helps to learn from those with more experience than yourself by either working with them or having them mentor you.

However, intuitive thinking should always be supplemented with an objective analysis of facts and evidence before deciding. A balance between these two styles allows us to maximize our chances of success by combining instinctive reactions with rational thought processes.

Ultimately, the key to successfully using intuitive thinking is to remain aware of our biases and limitations. By taking a mindful approach to decision-making – considering multiple perspectives, sources of feedback, and potential risks – we can ensure that our decisions are based on sound evidence rather than relying solely on our intuition. Doing so can help us avoid misguided decisions and maximize the potential for successful innovation.

Tom D'Eri, Co-Founder and COO of Rising Tide Car Wash, joins us to discuss the gap neurodivergent individuals face while entering the workforce and how to bridge that gap by changing hiring methods and implementing strategic operations that are inclusive to those with different skill sets.

Prospective job seekers with autism face a massive disparity in the job market. Unemployment rates of this group of individuals are between 60-80 percent. Taking that percentage of people out of the workforce when only 16 percent of autistic people face a significant intellectual disability is holding many businesses back and harming the economy. Tom D'Eri started Rising Tide Car Wash to help his brother with autism find employment rather than be a statistic in a rigid workforce not designed for those facing mental disabilities.

So many neurodivergent individuals are capable and have much to offer employers. A change in how businesses look at people and how teams function must take place for the future of the workforce to become more inclusive, diverse, and ultimately successful.

Barriers

One significant barrier neurodivergent people face is the traditional hiring process. Most businesses are not designed to accurately assess the capabilities of individuals with autism during the hiring process. They don't see past external dissimilarities and can often overlook great talent simply by not realizing that the thought process of a neurodivergent person, though different, is not a handicap but can be an asset to a business. Employers need to reassess their methods to support neurodiversity better. Ensuring these individuals have the tools to be successful in the workplace will further ensure the business's success.

Benefits of Creating a Diverse Team

To better support a nontraditional workforce, Tom believes you do not have to do anything structurally different; you need to do things better. Better communication, clear feedback, and managers who care enough about your employees to make a safe and trusting environment will help a nontraditional workplace thrive. Tom mentions how people with autism are extreme users of organizational systems, which is extremely beneficial to a team because it creates better management skills and processes and provides more communication clarity.

Those who are neurodivergent think differently. People with different thinking styles can help drive a good innovation strategy by bringing a different perspective. Tom believes having diversity of thought on your team is one of the most impactful ways diversity can influence an organization. Not being afraid to try unconventional approaches to problem-solving will push teams in new directions and promote learning and innovation.

Tom's groundbreaking book, The Power of Potential, focuses on how the unemployment of neurodivergent people is an issue that can be solved. There is a need for talent, and there are people who supply that talent in the neurodivergent community. By expanding past traditional systems that aren't built for the neurodivergent community and creating more inclusive and innovative business operations, businesses can unlock vast untapped potential and benefit the lives of those involved.

About our Guest: Tom D'Eri

Tom D'Eri is the Co-Founder and COO of Rising Tide Car Wash, an organization that employs over 90 individuals with autism in a successful car wash business. His entrepreneurial success has led him to be listed on Forbes's 30 under 30 list, and most recently,  he has authored a book, The Power of Potential, on the benefits of a nontraditional workforce.

Check out Tom D'Eri's Linkedin here and learn more about him and his work on his website here. For further information on his book, click here.

Jim Kalbach, Head of Customer Experience at Mural, joins us to discuss innovation efforts in the world of visual collaboration.

Remote work was at nearly one hundred percent during the pandemic, creating a need for effective digital whiteboards. Not only did people need a working space, but also a space for visual collaboration to take place. Since the pandemic, new modes outside of remote work have arisen, such as in-person, asynchronous, synchronous, and hybrid. The challenge has been finding a happy medium these different modes can meet in. Jim Kalbach believes shifting the focus from getting teams remote to ensuring teams can work fluidly throughout these different modes will ensure that teams can collaborate to come up with innovative ideas.

Experimentation and Understanding

Having an experimental mindset is key while concepts are developing. It can be a challenge while experimenting with new techniques and tools, but a willingness to experiment and try different things, along with having patience when concepts don’t work out, is crucial in improving visual collaboration.

As modes for digital whiteboards change, Jim says the key to understanding the new way how things work is having the proper mindset. You have to come in with the mindset that things start and end digitally. Understanding a digitally defined workplace is important because even if you are in person, other parts of your team could be remote. Therefore, it is vital to understand the platforms other team members are using so that things run smoothly.

Intentional Collaboration

Making team collaboration intentional is vital in ensuring your team is productive, creative, and innovative. Coming at situations with collaborative intelligence will ensure your teams have all they need to thrive. Having a methodology that your team follows, facilitating a culture of transparent communication, and understanding that there is room for learning will help teams effectively collaborate while using digital whiteboards.

About the Author: Jim Kalbach

Jim Kalbach is the Chief Evangelist at Mural, a collaborative intelligence company that offers a shared workspace for training on the LUMA System, the practical way to collaborate that anyone can learn and apply. Jim is an expert in the areas of experience design, visual methods, strategy, and remote facilitation. He is a world-renowned speaker, and author of the following books: the JTBD Playbook, Mapping Experiences and Designing Web Navigation.

There's no question that business model innovation is a hot topic in today's business world. After all, who wouldn't want to be the next Uber or Airbnb? But what does it take to create a new and successful business model?

It turns out that business model innovation is not just about having a great idea but about execution and timing. It's also about being willing to take risks and experiment. And, of course, it helps if you have a bit of luck.

So, what does it take to create a new and successful business model? Let's take a closer look.

What is a Business Model?

First, let's define what we mean by a business model. A business model is a way a company creates value for itself and its customers. It includes the company's value proposition (the unique selling point that differentiates it from competitors), the channels through which it reaches customers, the relationships it builds with them, the revenue streams it generates, and the costs it incurs.

In other words, a business model is a company's framework to generate revenue and profits.

To be successful, a business model must be viable, scalable, and sustainable. A viable business model can generate enough revenue to cover its costs and make a profit. A scalable business model can grow to meet demand. And a sustainable business model can be sustained over the long term.

Why Do Business Models Need Innovation?

There are several reasons businesses need to innovate their models.

First, the market is constantly changing, so companies must evolve.

Second, technology is constantly changing and evolving, which means that the way businesses operate also needs to change.

And third, customers are constantly changing and evolving, so companies need to find new and innovative ways to meet their needs.

One will become irrelevant if a company doesn't innovate its business model. Its products and services will no longer be in demand, and it can no longer generate profits. So, it's essential for businesses to continuously experiment with new models to stay ahead of the competition.

How to Innovate a Business Model

So how can a company go about innovating its business model? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as every company and industry is different. However, there are some general steps that companies can take to get started:

1. Define your value proposition.

What makes your company unique? What do you offer that nobody else does? Figure out your unique selling point and focus on developing products and services that capitalize on that advantage.

2. Identify your channels of distribution.

How do you reach your customers? Are there any new or innovative ways you can reach them? Can you use digital channels to reach a wider audience?

3. Build relationships with customers.

How can you create loyalty among your customers? Can you create a community around your product or service? Can you find ways to delight your customers?

4. Generate revenue streams.

What are the different ways you can make money from your products or services? Can you find new ways to monetize them?

5. Cut costs.

How can you reduce the costs of running your business? Can you find ways to automate or streamline processes? Can you outsource tasks or functions that are not core to your business?

How Do You Test The New Business Model?

Once a company has developed a new business model, it's crucial to test it to see if it's viable, scalable, and sustainable. There are several ways to do this:

1. Pilot the new model in a small market.

Testing a new business model in a small market can help you determine if it's viable and scalable. This will help you determine if the new business model is feasible and if it has the potential to be scaled up.

2. Experiment with different pricing models.

One way to test a new business model is to experiment with different pricing models. This will help you determine which pricing structures generate the most revenue. You can also try different promotional strategies to determine the most effective ones. And you can experiment with different combinations of pricing and delivery methods (e.g., free shipping) to see which ones are most popular with customers.

3. Use beta testers.

Beta testers can be invaluable resources in testing a new business model. They can provide feedback on how well the new model works and offer suggestions for improvement.

To find beta testers, you can put out a call for volunteers on social media or your company website. You can also reach out to customers who have previously expressed an interest in your product or service.

Make sure to ask beta testers to provide feedback on various aspects, such as the overall feasibility of the model, the customer experience, and the impact on revenue. And be prepared to make changes based on their feedback.

4. Get feedback from stakeholders.

When testing a new business model, getting stakeholders' feedback is essential. This includes employees, outside partners, and other key stakeholders.

Employees can offer valuable insights into how well the new model works and how it can be improved. They may also suggest how the new model can be adapted to meet the company's needs better.

Outside partners can provide feedback on how the new model affects their business and whether they see the potential for collaboration. They may also have ideas for marketing the new product or service.

Other stakeholders may have insights into how well the new model works and what changes (if any) need to be made. Gathering feedback from all these stakeholders will help you ensure that the new business model is successful.

5. Monitor results closely.

When testing a new business model, it's important to track key metrics, such as sales, profits, customer satisfaction, and engagement. This will help you determine if the new model is successful, needs to be adapted, or should be scrapped altogether.

Barriers to Innovating the Business Model

When it comes to innovating a business model, organizations face several common barriers. These include:

1. Lack of resources.

Developing a new business model can be costly and time-consuming, and companies may not have the financial, human, or technological resources to invest in creating a new model.

This can be a significant obstacle for companies that want to stay competitive and keep up with the latest trends in their industry. Without the necessary resources, it can be challenging to come up with a new business model that's viable and scalable.

2. Resistance to change.

An organization's resistance to change can be a significant barrier to business model innovation. This is because the new model may be very different from the old one and may not fit with the company's existing structure or culture.

If there is resistance to change from within the company, it can lead to conflict and delays in implementing the new model. It can also hamper the company's ability to take full advantage of the new business model's potential.

Organizations must embrace change to innovate their business model successfully. This includes being open to new ideas and willing to make changes.

3. Fear of failure.

Many companies are reluctant to experiment with new models because they fear failing. They see it as a risk and are unwilling to take that risk. This fear can keep companies from exploring new opportunities and reaching their full potential.

There are a few ways to overcome this fear.

First, companies must understand that failure is a natural part of innovation.

Second, they need to create a culture of experimentation where it's okay to fail.

 And third, they need to have a clear plan for how they will learn from their failures.

4. Lack of creativity/innovation.

Some companies may not have the creativity or innovation skills to develop a new business model. This can make it difficult for them to create innovative solutions that will help them stay competitive in today's market. Without creativity and innovation, companies may be limited in developing new and innovative ideas.

If a company lacks creativity and innovation, it may need to invest in training or hiring new employees who have these skills. It's also crucial for companies to create an environment that encourages creativity and innovation. This includes open communication, inspiring new ideas, and allowing employees to experiment. One option is to consider securing the services of an Innovation Agency that can bring innovation skills and expertise to your efforts.

5. Complexity/overwhelming choice.

Complexity and overwhelming choice can be a barrier to innovating the business model because it can be difficult for companies to stand out from the competition. To successfully innovate their business model, companies need to create a unique offering that is different from what their competitors offer. However, with so many choices available to consumers, it can be difficult for companies to stand out and attract customers with their new business model.

Another challenge that companies face is that the market is constantly changing. What may be popular today may not be popular tomorrow. So, to keep up with the latest trends and stay competitive, companies must continually innovate their business model. This can be daunting, especially if the company lacks creativity or innovation skills.

Examples of Business Model Innovation

There are a few ways to innovate your business model. You can either pivot your existing model or create a new model altogether. Pivoting your model means changing your current model to make it more effective. On the other hand, a new model is an entirely new way of doing business and may not have anything in common with your current model.

Several factors contribute to the success or failure of innovating your business model. Below are a few examples of successful and unsuccessful business model innovations.

Successful Business Model Innovation

1. Apple

Apple is a prime example of a company that has successfully innovated its business model. They've been so successful that they've created an entire industry around themselves. One reason for their success is that they've always been willing to experiment and take risks. For example, when they first introduced the iPhone, many skeptics didn't think it would be successful. However, Apple overcame these challenges and became one of the world's most popular smartphones.

2. Amazon

Another successful company that has innovated its business model is Amazon. They were one of the first companies to introduce online retailing and change how consumers buy products. They've also successfully diversified their business into other areas, such as cloud computing and streaming media. Amazon has stayed competitive by continually innovating its business model and exploring new opportunities.

3. Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is another company that has successfully innovated its business model. When they first started, they faced many challenges, such as high operating costs and competition from other airlines. However, they overcame these challenges by introducing low-cost fares and becoming the first "no-frills" airline. This allowed them to compete with the more prominent airlines and eventually became one of the largest airlines in the United States.

Unsuccessful Business Model Innovation

1. Blockbuster

Blockbuster is a perfect example of a company that failed to innovate its business model when it needed to most. Many don't know that Blockbuster was one of the first video streaming services. It launched in January 2002, but with limited consumer broadband, the market for this business model innovation was way too small to be sustainable, and they gave up on the service soon after its launch. When Netflix introduced online streaming, Blockbuster didn't react quickly enough, given its earlier attempt, and ended up going out of business altogether.

2. BlackBerry

Another company that failed to innovate its business model is BlackBerry. When they first introduced the BlackBerry smartphone, it was a revolutionary product that changed how people communicate. However, they failed to keep up with the competition and eventually lost market share to companies like Apple and Samsung. BlackBerry could not adjust its business model quickly enough to keep up with the changing market, so it went out of business.

3. Toys "R" Us

Toys "R" Us is another example of a company that failed to innovate its business model. They were the go-to store for toys and children's products when they first started. However, they could not keep up with the times and eventually lost market share to online retailers like Amazon. Toys "R" Us could not adapt its business model to the changing market, resulting in bankruptcy.

Surviving and Thriving

Business model innovation is a critical component of success for any organization. However, it's not always easy to achieve success. A company must be willing to experiment and take risks to succeed. They must also be able to adapt quickly to changing market conditions.

While most organizations think they have the innovation skills and resources in the heat of competitive battle, some organizations cannot maintain the pace of change required to survive and succeed. This is often because they lack the agility to pivot their business model in response to market changes quickly. As a result, these companies find themselves at a significant disadvantage and eventually go out of business.

To avoid this fate, companies must continually invest in innovation and ensure they have the necessary resources and capabilities to succeed. Companies can survive and thrive in today's competitive marketplace by constantly pushing themselves to be better.

Sandra Howe, an award-winning technology expert, joins us to discuss the effectiveness of pairing good timing with collaboration.

The need for innovators willing to work with each other rather than against is progressing. Thanks to the swiftly changing technology market. The necessity for broadband internet is ever-increasing, especially in recent years, due to people’s increased need for it during and since the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the elasticity of the industry, Sandra stresses the importance of having a hub of innovators to discuss key aspects of leadership, standards, and new technologies.

Experimentation and Adaptability

The difference between a good idea and a great idea is rarely the idea but rather the timing. Companies often choose the wrong time to release new products or services. Poor timing can be detrimental to a good idea. Paired with having the right timing is engaging in effective collaboration. Having a good team or partnership to discuss and adequately vet an idea or product through trials and experimentation is vital. Using these trials to learn what adjustments need to be made or how consumers react is critical for success.

Sandy says that the best way to prepare for the unexpected is to perform trials, listen to consumers, and make the necessary adjustments based on the findings. Being persistent and taking the time to listen goes a long way.

Being able to adapt quickly is critical in the changing market. With the constantly changing market, it is incredibly challenging for companies to stay ahead of the curve. Sandra advises innovators to keep things simple, listen to consumers, and be willing to adjust to their demands.

About our Guest: Sandra Howe

Sandra Howe currently serves as an Independent Director on the Minim board of directors, as well as the Chair of The WICT Network Global Board, the board of directors for NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, and the board of the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) Foundation as an advisor on the investment committee. Sandra is also a former Technetix EVP. Sandy graduated from Pennsylvania State University and has received numerous industry awards: Cable TV Pioneers, Multichannel News’ Wonder Woman, CableFAX’s Top Women in Technology, The WICT Network Carolinas Carol A. Hevey Leadership Award, and NAMIC Carolinas EPIC in Technology.