The NonBillable Hour

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Your next ten hires.

Tom Peters summarizes a new book by Tom Kelley of IDEO, titled the Ten Faces of Innovation.  In the book (not yet available), Kelley identifies ten people every organization needs to build an innovative workplace.  How many of these folks does your organization have?

The Anthropologist.  Master of human behavior ... "gets" the user.
The Experimenter.  Mr/Ms Fast Prototype.
The Cross-pollinator.  Explores odd connections.
The Hurdler.  Master remover of B.S. roadblocks.
The Collaborator.  Brings intriguing combinations of people together.
The Director.  Brings out the creative best from an odd mix of talents.
The Experience Architect.  Turns "products" into "performances."
The Set Designer.  Creates fabulous office environments that foster constant innovation.
The Caregiver.  Anticipates customer needs like a magician.
The Storyteller.  Creates narratives that capture the spirit of the group and its products/services/experiences.

Does this mean solos can’t be innovative?  Or do we need to add six or seven “hats” to the ones we already wear?