Musings from the CU Suite

Written by Anthony Demangone

In the quest to innovate and improve, never forget to answer an important question.

What problem are you trying to fix?

Until you know that, I'd tap the breaks. This comes from an article (HBR.org) by Greg Satell.

How well is the problem defined? When Steve Jobs, who was a master at defining a clear product vision, set out to build the iPod, he framed the problem as "1,000 songs in my pocket." That simple phrase defined not only the technical specifications, but the overall approach. Unfortunately, some problems, like how to create a viable alternative to fossil fuels, aren't so easy to delineate. So your innovation strategy will have to adapt significantly depending on how well the problem can be framed.

So when your team presents you with a plan to overhaul something, use that magic, focusing question.

What problem are we trying to fix?  

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NAFCU members, please consider signing up for NAFCU's new newsletter.  The Beltway Buzz provides an inside look at the latest in credit union legislation. Written by my colleague, NAFCU’s Vice President of Legislative Affairs Brad Thaler, you’ll get the insider's view of Washington.  To top it off, Brad is a wonderful writer, great dad, excellent colleague, and a terrible college football fan. 

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Speaking of problems (or preventing them)...men, there's still time to act!  Happy Valentine's Day, everyone.  Especially to one specific someone.