At last months’ Innovation in Business Conference, sponsored by SBN magazine and Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, panelists were asked how they stay innovative. Overwhelmingly, they agreed that you must stay in touch with your customers. Here are some of their responses:
“Getting out with the customer is probably the most important thing we can do.” The biggest impediment to innovation? “When we think we’re presidents and CEOs, and we’re entitled to sit in the office.”
—Tom Murdough, CEO, Step2 Co.
“Ask yourself, what is it that people out there are saying you need. Get focused on the customer. Peter Drucker described innovation as ‘purposeful, focused change.’”
—Robert Mahoney, CEO, Diebold Inc.
