Getting Inspired

Companies cannot become successful merely by copying each others ideas. The video above talks about having the drive to succeed, pushing a company beyond what's "good enough" and into "inspired thinking." The tipping point is called the "Margin of Difference" (MoD) and companies should strive to achieve it.

By achieving the MoD, a company's products will improve, ideas will flow freely, and focus on objectives will improve.

Ability to achieve the margin of difference is based on the quality of:

1. Social Networks
2. Social Capital
3. Conversations
4. Engagement Process
5. Individual Thinking (the way an employer and their employees think & work)

Social networks connect you to the people and information you need. Contributors to a company's network can be unconventional; any stakeholder that has a vested interest in the business. Organizations that reach the MoD have inspired social networks.

Social capital is the reputation and goodwill within and outside of the workplace. It builds upon itself and is only obtained by building trust, respect, and building rapport.

Conversations within the organization must have strong purpose and convey meaning in an easy-to-understand manner. Rich conversation can stimulate innovation within an organization.

"Engagement process is all the activities and venues through which we interact." They can either have a positive or negative impact.

Individual Thinking is the foundation underlying the entire principle Margin of Difference. Inspired individual thinkers possess the drive to focus on their objectives, rather than their fears. These employees and individuals are crucial to helping achieve the MoD.


The bottom line:
Organizations that strive for excellence and that operate at the Margin of Difference will gain a competitive advantage, especially in their collective thought processes. Companies and organizations that operate at this level are constantly moving forward, rather than spinning their wheels in the same place.