Chris Howard's Page

Fueling Innovation!

I have been emphasizing the importance of developing an environment of innovation and collaboration in business today. But what about the up-and-coming innovators―the business professionals of tomorrow?
I recently read the latest issue of the “Baylor Business Review ” and noticed, to my delight, that the whole publication was devoted to the topic of innovation.

This reinforces its importance, but also widens the context of what innovation is, and/or could be!
During the las… Continue

Our recent studies on innovation and collaboration highlight the importance of embracing change to stay in the game and to add value. Looking back at corporate evolution in just the last ten years, can’t progress be tracked by developments in information technology (IT)? Aren’t we in the Web 2.0 age now?

Advances in technology are an important driver of innovation, and companies should explore ways to get the most out of IT developments to strengthen their growth. In a report from the Global Te… Continue

It has been an interesting year for me. I have spent a good amount of time with the next generation of business leaders, as well as with some very tech-savvy consultants and analysts.

Intrigued by technology and the ideas for its use that have come from this engagement, I have been trying to convert this learning experience into action.

I suspect that I am typical of the “tail-end of the boomer generation,” having spent my entire technology career in a leadership role. Even though I have been… Continue

Over the last several months, I have been writing to you about my experiences in the market, and some of the trends that I have observed regarding outsourcing.

* Innovation,
* Collaboration,
* Leadership
* Transparency

We recently conducted an opinion poll with those who follow us on LinkedIn. The responses indicated that the “collaboration movement” may not be as widespread as we hoped.

Regardless of the tendencies that I have noted, cost reduction still seems to be the leading reason behind… Continue

When it comes down to it, we are all sales people. Everyone has something to sell. Making the deal is a delicate balance between art and science, encouragement and reaction, guidance and response.

Yet in every situation, the focus should be on the client. Sometimes you respond to their requests; sometimes you challenge your client to promote strategic growth.

But from my perspective, what makes each situation different?

Your approach to the sales crusade makes the difference. The extent to wh… Continue