Quick Studies Archives - Page 2 of 6

How GE Implemented FastWorks to Act More Like a Startup

If you think your company’s complexity and bureaucracy can’t be overcome because of its size and scale, think again. GE’s FastWorks program shows that a giant, too, can simplify and streamline their operations to increase speed and encourage innovation.

Quick Studies

How Artsy’s Design Teams Became More Collaborative

Creating cross-functional teams and platforms for frequent sharing and collaboration can help teams stay aligned, work more productively, and contribute to the bigger picture.

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How Airbnb Uses Culture to Reduce Complexity

Culture can’t just be a poster, or a one-time meeting; it’s a way of doing things that is reinforced (or diluted) every day. To make sure you’re encouraging the right behavior, think about culture on a longer timespan: what should your team be doing 10 or 20 years from now?

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How Jaguar Changed Its Manufacturing Culture

When you want to make a major change, it’s essential to get buy-in and make sure everyone’s aligned. And remember, change is a marathon, not a sprint.

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How the US Military Is Revamping Talent Retention

No matter how traditional your organization is, there’s always room for change. If you need to convince others on the team, make a case using examples from other organizations and entities that are facing similar challenges.

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How The Hartford Set Up a Reverse Mentoring Program

The big idea your company needs can come from an employee at any level. Organized reverse mentoring is an effective method for sourcing those ideas to drive company-wide innovation and change.

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How Cisco Set Up a Reverse Mentoring Program

Reverse mentoring can provide real value to the organization, but like any program, it needs metrics and senior-level support to succeed.

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What You Can Learn from Culture Decks and Employee Handbooks

As more organizations understand culture as the competitive tool it is, they’re openly sharing “culture decks” or employee handbooks to attract like-minded employees and customers.

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How Google Ventures Uses Design Sprints to Get More Done

Google Venture’s sprint method will give your team the momentum and motivation they need to present a quality product prototype to stakeholders in a week. Remember, the plan above isn’t an exact science. You may substitute methods for your own or shorten the time spent on one stage, but make sure to go in order.

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How Etsy’s Office Hackers Reimagine the Workplace

Take a systematic and employee-obsessed approach to improving the conditions for creative work. Whether it’s a dedicated team or well-oiled feedback loop, workplace innovation can be a shared responsibility across teams and departments.

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How Apple Reduces Turnover at Its Stores

Starting at the store level, companies have opportunities to empower employees in a way that improves local and global performance.

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How Hyatt Increased Competition and Boosted Employee Morale

Turnover, employee empowerment, and company goals can all coexist together in internal programs. Hyatt’s example demonstrates that employees are clamoring to be more creative and have more choice in their work. While this might not be possible in day-to-day responsibilities, organizations can create programs that celebrate hidden talents and encourage employees to remain loyal to their companies.

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How 3M Integrated Its Design Team into the Entire Organization

While legacy organizations are often resistant to change, a clear process—and a lot of patience—can convince key stakeholders of the importance of innovation.

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Why Whole Foods Hires Employees by Vote

While we are strong proponents of empowered employees whose voice within the company matters, when it comes to deciding the fate of another employee, proceed with caution.

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How Soma’s “Work from Anywhere” Week Boosts Productivity

For teams that are used to working in an office setting, getting to work from anywhere might take some adjusting to. With proper planning and communication, though, a work from anywhere week can boost productivity while providing new sources of inspiration.

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Why Betabrand Encourages Colleagues to Say “Thanks”

While monetary employee rewards are a nice perk, they’re no substitute for frequent (but genuine) displays of appreciation. Finding opportunities for you and your team to regularly express gratitude is a simple way to make work better.

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Why Potato’s Employees Set Their Own Hours

While your team needs to be available to customers, encouraging greater scheduling flexibility and autonomy will create a happier, more productive workforce. Start by identifying which roles and tasks are vital to the core business and work in weekly sprints to get more accomplished in less time.

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How Twitter Finds Out What the Customer Really Wants

The key to building a product that sells is talking to your target consumer every day. Use a consistent process and involve the whole team so that everyone understands the decisions you make going forward.

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How Honest Tea’s Annual Report Keeps It On Mission

Maintaining commitment to your company’s mission is a constant challenge, especially if you are part of a larger organization. To make sure you’re living up to your mission, audit your team at least once a year to review where you’ve succeeded, and how you can do better moving forward.

Quick Studies

How KPMG Reframed Its Mission and Increased Engagement

Don’t be afraid to ask employees what they think, how they find meaning in work, and what success stories they’re sitting on. Employees can be your best source of information and inspiration when reinvigorating an organization’s mission, vision, and values.