We know where most of the creativity, the innovation, the stuff that drives productivity lies - in the minds of those closest to the work.
Interpretation
Creativity and productivity are rooted in the insights of those engaged in the work.
This quote by Jack Welch emphasizes the importance of listening to and empowering the people who are directly involved in the work process. He asserts that the most valuable ideas and innovations often come from the individuals closest to the operational level, highlighting the need for organizations to tap into this resource to drive success and productivity.
In practice
Use this quote in a team meeting to encourage collaboration and idea sharing.
You've got to eat while you dream. You've got to deliver on short-range commitments, while you develop a long-range strategy and vision and implement it. The success of doing both. Walking and chewing gum if you will. Getting it done in the short-range, and delivering a long-range plan, and executing on that.
I wanted to change the rules of engagement, asking for more- from fewer. I was insisting that we had to have only the best people...If you wanted excellence, at a minimum, the ambience had to reflect excellence.
A leader's role is not to control people or stay on top of things, but rather to guide, energize and excite.
Control your own destiny or someone else will.
The idea flow from the human spirit is absolutely unlimited. All you have to do is tap into that well. I don't like to use the word efficiency. It's creativity. It's a belief that every person counts.
An overburdened, overstretched executive is the best executive, because he or she doesn't have the time to meddle, to deal in trivia, to bother people.
Innovation is not born from the dream, innovation is born from the struggle
The thing about inventing is you have to be both stubborn and flexible. The hard part is figuring out when to be which.
Optimism is an essential ingredient of innovation. How else can the individual welcome change over security, adventure over staying in safe places?
You want to look at what other companies are doing. It's very important not to be hermetically sealed. But you don't want to look at it as if, 'OK, we're going to copy that.' You want to look at it and say, 'That's very interesting. What can we be inspired to do as a result of that?' And then put your own unique twist on it.
Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly, and get on with improving your other innovations.
We always say Jordan is not rich in natural resources - we don't have oil or gas like some of our neighbors do - but I think in terms of human resources, we are quite lucky and we are really trying to foster an environment of innovation and technology. I think Jordan will emerge as a center of innovation in the Middle East.
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