By Eliana Barriga Publisher and Managing Editor for The Retail Observer I loved the topic of Vital Germaine's new book, Imagination Will Take You Everywhere. In his book, Germaine describes how he, as a young acrobat, joined Canada’s renowned Cirque du Soleil, climbed a steep learning curve, and learned priceless secrets about releasing the power of creative imagination to solve problems quickly and efficiently. Today, Germaine teaches leaders to open their imagination and recognize fresh pathways to success. (See our review of his inspiring book on page 14.) Germaine makes a very good point about using imagination to develop one's mindset in order to drive innovation for a competitive market edge. That concept was amplified for me after attending the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) here in Las Vegas. Talk about the hub of creativity... CES is where the ideas of the imagination meet creativity and manifest the future of technology and the world as we know it to be. Imagination and creativity may be Job One for acrobats and artists – but do they work in the non-artistic fields? They most certainly do. Consider former U.S. Navy Captain D. Michael Abrashoff. In is book, It’s Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy, he describes when the Navy gave him command of a troubled ship with bottom-scraping efficiency ratings. When Abrashoff took over Benfold, most of the crew told him they couldn’t wait to leave the ship and get out of the Navy. Abrashoff decided to apply the leadership principles he’d learned during a stint as an aide to Secretary of Defense William J. Perry. He would put the crew’s welfare first. Abrashoff talked with each of Benfold’s 310 crew members, and invited their suggestions – and implemented them, even if it meant bending the Navy’s rules. He respected them and tapped their creativity, imagination and enthusiasm. Morale soared and success came quickly. How did Abrashoff turn his ship around? By releasing the creative enthusiasm of the individual. The answers you need are there. Do your research, then let the ideas incubate. Finally, go for a walk and let fresh insights bubble up from the creative recesses of your heart and mind. Time to create and inspire- Eliana Barriga [email protected]
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By Moe Lastfogel Director of Sales and Marketing for The Retail Observer At the time of writing this month's Musings, I've just finished packing for the Living Kitchen and Imm Cologne Shows in Germany. We’ve partnered with these amazing expos for a bit over six years, and it’s been a great experience. Living Kitchen presents the latest ideas, solutions and trends for the kitchen, from innovative manufacturer presentations to world premieres of new kitchen furniture, electrical appliances, cooking accessories, and the latest trends. Living Kitchen has become the international kitchen sector’s key event, promising innovative and exciting glimpses into the future of the kitchen industry. The NKBA will be joining this year’s event, introducing an intriguing new international element. In fact, NKBA Global Connect Cologne aims to strengthen connections between the German kitchen and bath industry and the North American market. By the time you read this, the show will have concluded, and the NKBA will have hosted two events: the NKBA Global Connect Media and Manufacturer VIP Dinner, and the NKBA Global Connect VIP Meet Up and Presentation. VIP guests will have included members of the North American design media, NKBA Global Connect liaisons, NKBA Insiders, international influencers, and design professionals. The NKBA will have presented its 2019 K&B Industry Outlook, Lifestyle, and Product Trend report, followed by a panel discussion with North American media, and a Q&A session. The program will have opened countless opportunities for networking with international design professionals, bloggers, influencers, members of the North American media and NKBA executives. Here at The Retail Observer we applaud the NKBA – joining this event has been a great opportunity for our readers and the NKBA members. The international market is growing steadily, with a product mix, variety, and designs that are giving a fresh new dimension to the North American market. Through the partnerships we’ve made overseas with trade shows, manufacturers and associations, we’ll be bringing you more European and international news, products and stories to keep you updated on our side of the industry. Next month, I’ll fill you in on my experiences at the event, and share additional details from the show. Happy Retailing, Moe Lastfogel [email protected] |
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December 2021
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