24/7 Innovation: A Blueprint for Surviving and Thriving in an Age of Change

by Stephen M. Shapiro

This text shows how, in the past, business processes have been thought of as something static, as a series of instructions laid down in manuals to be repeated exactly the same way every time. In order... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0071376267
• ISBN13: 9780071376266
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies
• Length: 294 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Innovate or Evaporate

As Shapiro explains, when offering this "blueprint for surviving and thriving in an age of change," the term "blueprint" is a capability which combines people, processes, and technology that together "deliver business performance as defined by an organization's strategy. This is a key point, one which Bossidy and Charan emphasize in their recently published book, Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done. It is important to keep in mind that any "blueprint" provided in a book such as this must almost always be modified to serve the specific needs and objectives of a given organization. This is precisely what Shapiro has in mind when, in the Introduction, observes "in some respects writing a book that describes best practices for innovation that says that best practices are insufficient is slightly ironic. But to try and copy what another company is doing, lock stock and barrel, is just another form of box thinking. Instead, connect the dots. Make connections. Consider what some companies in this book have been doing and consider them in the context of your own business situation. And then try and use these to create new ideas for fostering innovation." Hammer wrote The Agenda to disabuse those who view reengineering as a "silver bullet." I'm certain that Shapiro hopes his readers will view the "blueprint" delineated in Part 1 of 24/7 Innovation for what it is while understanding what it is not...and cannot be expected to do. Change is inevitable. Long ago, someone divided people into three categories: Those who make it happen, those who watch it happen, and those who ask "What happened?" Shapiro views desirable change as as fundamental and pervasive. "It affects customers, suppliers, alliance partners, and anyone who touches [or is touched by] the company. But in today's age of change, success requires nothing less. That's why 24/7 innovation is the only way to achieve a unique and enduring competitive advantage." One of the words now having the loudest buzz is "convergence." (Not long ago, two of the loudest buzzers were "synergies" and "integration.") As Shapiro clearly demonstrates while examining four companies (GlaxoSmithKline, Invensys, The Real Estate Assessment Center of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and BC Hydro) in Appendix A, the most effective organizations are indeed those which achieve and then sustain an appropriate convergence of process, people, and technology. That is, they become and then remain what Shapiro describes as an "organic organization." In his book, he offers all manner of strategies and tactics as well as real-world examples to suggest HOW any organization (regardless of size or nature) can use the principles of "24/7 Innovation" to achieve that formidable objective.

A real book that provides guidance and new ideas

Real innovation, the kind that keeps companies winners year after year is not spelled with a capital "I." Relying on breakthrough innovation to save your company is akin to taking your budget to the casino -- you are taking your chances.24/7 Innovation is a book that discusses the realities, techniques and ideas required to innovate continuously rather than the platitudes that innovation is good. The book's central premise is on the need and how-to necessary to continuously evolve a company's capabilities. The book breaks itself down into two parts and nine chapters that provide a pragmatic approach to understanding what is required and then how to make it happen. The Blueprint section of the book discusses the requirements and strategies for an innovative organization. It faces up to the hard issues of business processes, strategies, customers and technology. It also covers one of the most overlooked aspects of innovation "measurement." Yes, you need measurement in order to innovation continuously and successfully.The next section "Making it happen" talks about how a company targets its efforts -- gaining focus and an ability to act. It also discusses business simulation -- a technique that helps manage the risk and uncertainty when innovating.The best part of these sections is the commentary and examples that ripple throughout the book. These are not the overused stories of 3M, GE and others, rather they include a number of companies you may not have heard of but who are winning the innovation-competition race. It is a welcome experience to hear from new companies as well as a significant number of European companies to give you fresh perspective and insight.Steve Shapiro, the author, is an experienced consultant, which shows to some degree in the book, and people who want to bash consultants will be unable to get past this point to their loss. However, for the business leader who is looking to gain real insight and pick up some new techniques 24/7 Innovation is one of the few books that is worth the read.If you have read some of my other reviews, (click on the link above) you will find that I am critical with business books. My time is limited, as is yours, and this book is one that warrants the investment in reading and taking the time to understand its premise and information. You will walk away with some new ideas.Other books to consider in this area include Michael Schrage's "Serious Play" a book on simulation and Dietrich Dorner's "The Logic of Failure".

Direct Applicability

Shapiro manages to provide a structured way of diagnosing the lack of innovation, and addressing the discovered innovation gaps by easy to use tools and techniques. Innovation is viewed as a dynamic foundation which underpins all aspects and operations of an organisation, and is clearly visible in the culture and performance measures used by the organisation. Shapiro correctly emphasises the importance of targeting and analysis before deciding which part of the business needs an injection of innovation. Realistic examples and executive management pitfalls are presented as part of a practical roadmap for "getting there".

Insight & Innovation at it's Best!

I found this book to be a fabulous, easy reading exploration of why business today is lacking in what it needs most...innovation. After years of cost-cutting and restructuring, it's innovation and the growth engine that is critical. This books walks you through new insights about how to bring back the spark to your organization...no matter what the size. Anyone interested in changing their organization, and themselves for that matter, should read this book. Great stuff!!

the Rhythm of business

An invaluable book for any one looking to keep their business moving forward in this era of economic uncertainty. The author's straight- shooting style and creative use of jazz metaphors put this book head and shoulders above typical books of the genre.