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W Burnett LLC consultancy is focused on two tightly linked areas of competence: Problem Solving and Innovation. When humans innovate we use three methods to create something new:
When humans problem-solve we use Discovery, Experimentation, and Synthesis as well, but not necessarily to create something new. When all we are doing is solving a problem, we may be happy to apply knowledge taken from elsewhere to this problem. However, where the solution to a problem could give us competitive advantage we prefer to create a new solution and block the competition from doing the same.
While we bring great problem-solving expertise, when you go to consultancy training the first thing you learn is that the solution you help the client find, will almost always come from the client’s own employees. That’s because they are closest to the problem, they understand its nuances, and they understand how the company’s culture operates better than any outside consultant ever will.
Generally we are brought in to solve a specific problem. What we try to do is not only help find and implement the best solution to the current problem, but also to identify the key employees who have particular problem-solving talents. Dr. Robert Sutton of Stanford University has published research, which helps explain why this talent often goes unrecognized and under appreciated in operating companies. As it turns out people with this talent often end up suppressing the talent in order to fit in. Because their talent is valuable, we show senior management how to manage these unusual people. Simultaneously, we show the talented people how to use their talent while, at the same time, fitting in with everyone else. When we leave, the company has a set of very strong internal resources capable of tackling new problems, or pursuing new innovation opportunities without bringing in external resources.
We've seen this approach used successfully in numerous circumstances. To demonstrate this we have a free introductory offer to come in and use our tool to identify two of your hidden super synthesizers, and show you how to put their talents to work on tough problems. To take advantage of this offer your company must be serious about becoming more innovative.
Bill Burnett has more than 25 years of experience as a proven leader. He has a track record of solving problems and leveraging opportunities by building and leading innovation teams at both the global and local level; establishing the right environment, and delivering leaps in performance in Product, Customer Service, Operations, Network Infrastructure, Systems Functionality, and Policy Management. Bill has traveled to, and worked with businesses in over 65 countries.
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