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2024

  • 3 min read

In today's rapidly evolving landscape, driven by relentless technological advancements and changing consumer preferences, innovation stands as the cornerstone of sustained business growth and societal progress. However, fostering an environment that encourages and sustains innovation is a multifaceted challenge, demanding strategic insight and strong leadership.

Why Innovation Is More Critical Than Ever

The importance of innovation cannot be overstated—it is essential for economic growth, maintaining competitive advantage, and enhancing efficiency. Companies face an unprecedented pace of change, making adaptability not just an asset but a necessity for survival. Innovations help address global challenges such as climate change, health crises, and the demands of a socially conscious generation that values sustainability and ethical practices. Furthermore, businesses must continuously innovate to avoid obsolescence in the face of shifting market dynamics and evolving customer expectations, particularly from younger demographics like Gen Z, who crave "cool" and cutting-edge experiences.

Barriers to Innovation

Despite its clear benefits, many organizations struggle to effectively innovate due to several barriers:

  • Cultural Resistance: A fear of failure pervades many corporate cultures, deterring the kind of experimentation necessary for breakthroughs.
  • Resource Constraints: Innovation often requires significant investment in time, personnel, and capital—resources that are frequently in short supply.
  • Lack of Strategy: Without a cohesive innovation strategy, efforts can become scattered and ineffective, misaligned with broader business objectives.
  • Regulatory and Market Constraints: Compliance requirements can restrict innovation activities, particularly in heavily regulated industries.
  • Visionary Leadership Deficit: Leadership that lacks commitment to an innovative culture can suppress creativity and impede innovation initiatives.

Building an Innovation-Driven Culture

Creating a culture that genuinely fosters innovation involves several key components:

  • Encouraging Experimentation: Companies need to allow employees the freedom to explore and fail without fear of repercussion.
  • Provision of Resources: Dedication of budget, time, and tools for innovation is crucial.
  • Fostering Collaboration: Encouraging interaction across departments and with external partners can spark new ideas and approaches.
  • Leadership Involvement: Leaders must not only support innovation initiatives but actively participate in them.
  • Recognition and Rewards: Acknowledging and rewarding innovation efforts encourages ongoing creative risk-taking.

Organizations can also enhance their innovative capabilities by providing training that emphasizes thinking towards the future, adapting to new mindsets, and understanding risk tolerance.

Leading Innovators and Their Practices

Several organizations exemplify successful innovation strategies:

  • Google: Known for its "20% time" policy, Google encourages its employees to spend one day a week on side projects, fostering a robust culture of creativity that has led to significant product developments.

  • 3M: Renowned for its innovation, 3M has created thousands of products, including the ubiquitous Post-it Notes, through a culture that nurtures and rewards creativity.

  • Samsung: Beyond smartphones, Samsung has innovated across its entire device ecosystem, integrating products to create seamless user experiences.

  • DBS Bank: Recognized for its digital transformation journey, DBS has embraced innovation to become a leading global bank, focusing on customer-centric solutions.

  • Microsoft: Under Satya Nadella's leadership, Microsoft has adopted an open ecosystem approach, focusing on partnerships and meeting unmet needs, such as its recent ventures into Generative AI.

In conclusion, while the challenges to fostering an innovative environment are considerable, the organizations that succeed in overcoming these obstacles often set new standards in their industries and achieve sustained growth and relevance in an ever-changing world. Organizations must thus view innovation not as an optional extra but as a fundamental necessity.

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

應對挑戰並培育創新文化

在如今迅速變化的環境中，由無情的技術進步和消費者偏好的不斷變化所驅動，創新成為了持續業務增長和社會進步的基石。然而，培育一種能鼓勵並支持創新的環境是一項多面的挑戰，需要策略性的洞察力和堅強的領導力。

為什麼創新比以往更關鍵

創新的重要性無法被誇大——對於經濟增長、保持競爭優勢和提高效率來說至關重要。公司面臨前所未有的變化速度，使得適應性不僅成為一種資產，更是生存的必要條件。創新有助於解決全球性的挑戰，如氣候變化、健康危機和對可持續和道德實踐有價值的社會意識世代的需求。此外，企業必須持續創新以避免在市場動態和客戶期望不斷變化的面前過時，特別是來自像Z世代這樣對"酷"和前沿體驗有著強烈渴望的年輕人。

創新的障礙

儘管創新的好處顯而易見，但許多組織由於以下幾個障礙而難以有效地創新：

  • 文化阻力：許多公司內部的文化中充滿了對失敗的恐懼，阻止了進行突破性實驗的必要行為。
  • 資源約束：創新往往需要大量的時間、人員和資本投入——這些資源通常供不應求。
  • 缺乏策略：沒有一致的創新策略，努力可能會變得四分五裂和無效，與更廣泛的商業目標不符。
  • 法規和市場約束：合規要求可能會限制創新活動，特別是在大規模監管的行業中。
  • 遠見領導力的缺乏：缺乏對創新文化承諾的領導力可能會壓制創造力並妨礙創新活動。

建立創新驅動文化

創造一種真正鼓勵創新的文化需要幾個關鍵組成部分：

  • 鼓勵實驗：公司需要允許員工有自由去探索和失敗，而不懼怕受到懲罰。
  • 提供資源：為創新投入預算、時間和工具至關重要。
  • 促進協作：鼓勵部門間與外部合作夥伴的交流可以激發新的想法和方法。
  • 領導層參與：領導者不僅要支持創新活動，而且要積極參與其中。
  • 認可和獎勵：認知並獎勵創新努力鼓勵持續的創造性風險承擔。

組織還可以通過提供著眼於未來的思維、適應新的思維模式和理解風險容忍度的培訓來增強其創新能力。

領先的創新者和他們的實踐

有幾個組織體現了成功的創新策略：

  • Google：以其“20%時間”政策而聞名，Google鼓勵員工每週花費一天的時間進行側向專案，培養出了強大的創造力文化，導致了重大的產品開發。
  • 3M：以其創新而聞名，3M創造了數千種產品，包括無處不在的便利貼，這得益於他們培育並獎勵創新的文化。
  • Samsung：除了智能手機，Samsung在其整個設備生態系統中都進行了創新，整合產品以創造無縫的用戶體驗。
  • DBS Bank：以其數碼轉型之旅而聞名，DBS已透過創新成為全球引領的銀行，專注於以客戶為中心的解決方案。
  • Microsoft：在Satya Nadella的領導下，Microsoft已採納了一種開放的生態系統方法，專注於夥伴關係和滿足未滿足的需求，例如最近進軍生成型AI。

總之，雖然培育創新環境的挑戰重重，成功克服這些障礙的組織往往在他們的行業中設立新的標準，並在不斷變化的世界中獲得持續的增長和相關性。因此，組織必須將創新視為一項基本必需，而不只是一種選擇性的額外補充。

  • 3 min read

The Future of Personal Tech

In the ever-evolving world of technology, two new contenders, the Rabbit R1 and the Humane AI Pin, are making waves by attempting to carve out a new product category entirely. These devices not only showcase the latest in AI advancements but also signal a potential shift in how we interact with technology daily.

Introducing the Contenders

Rabbit R1: Known for its playful design and broad functionality, the Rabbit R1 is designed to be more than just a gadget—it's an experience. With a price tag of $199, it features a 2.88-inch touchscreen and a suite of capabilities facilitated by its voice command system. The R1 is perfect for tech enthusiasts looking for a device with character and diverse functionalities.

Humane AI Pin: Priced at $699, the Humane AI Pin offers a more understated, professional design with a focus on productivity and practicality. It's wearable, enhances daily routines with features like real-time translation and dietary tracking, and integrates seamlessly into both professional and casual settings.

Driving Forces Behind the Innovations

These devices emerge amid growing consumer interest in AI and a marketplace ripe for innovation. The introduction of AI platforms like ChatGPT has spurred a surge in capabilities, making sophisticated personal gadgets more feasible. Moreover, companies are keen on reducing smartphone distractions by offering tools that streamline user interactions, enhancing focus and efficiency.

Addressing Modern Problems

The Rabbit R1 and Humane AI Pin are set to tackle the complexity and intrusiveness of modern devices. By centralizing tools and functionalities, they aim to reduce our reliance on smartphones, promising a step towards better digital wellness. They confront modern issues such as privacy, overly complex user interfaces, and the constant juggling of multiple devices.

Anticipated Challenges

Despite their innovative features, these devices face significant hurdles:

  • Market Adoption: Introducing a new category is always challenging, especially when trying to shift users away from the ubiquitous smartphone.
  • Functionality vs. Necessity: They must prove they are essential, not just novel.
  • Price Sensitivity: Particularly for the Humane AI Pin, its higher price could deter potential users.
  • User Readiness: Integrating new tech into daily routines isn't always straightforward.
  • Competition with Existing Tech: Many potential users might see these devices as redundant when smartphones already meet their needs.
Who Has the Edge?

While both devices have their merits, the Rabbit R1 might edge out the Humane AI Pin due to its lower cost and the inclusion of a touchscreen, making it more approachable and easier to integrate into daily life. The fun, engaging interface and independence from traditional smartphone functionalities make the Rabbit R1 particularly appealing to those looking for something different in their tech arsenal.

Looking Forward

The success of the Rabbit R1 and Humane AI Pin will depend heavily on their ability to demonstrate real-world utility and integrate smoothly into users' lives. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, these devices represent just the beginning of what could be a significant shift in personal technology. The next few years will be crucial in determining whether these innovations will become staples in our technological repertoire or simply footnotes in the annals of tech history.

In conclusion, keeping an eye on these developments is essential for anyone interested in the trajectory of consumer technology. Whether the Rabbit R1 or the Humane AI Pin—or perhaps both—will succeed in redefining our interaction with technology remains to be seen.

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

個人科技的未來

在不斷演進的科技世界中，兩個新的競爭者，Rabbit R1和 Humane AI Pin，正試圖創造出全新的產品類別，引起了極大的反響。這些設備不僅展示了最新的人工智慧技術，而且也可能預示了我們與日常科技互動方式的潛在轉變。

介紹競爭者

Rabbit R1：以其活潑的設計和廣泛的功能聞名，Rabbit R1的設計目標不僅僅是一個小玩意，而是一種體驗。售價199美元，擁有一個2.88英寸的觸摸屏和一整套由其語音指令系統驅動的功能。R1是對於尋找具有特色和多功能性的設備的科技愛好者的完美選擇。

Humane AI Pin：售價699美元，Humane AI Pin提供了一種更低調，更專業的設計，主要針對生產力和實用性。它是可穿戴的，具有像實時翻譯和飲食跟蹤等功能，可以在專業和休閒場合中無縫地融入。

推動這些創新的力量

這些設備的出現是在人工智慧越來越受到消費者關注，並且市場對於創新的需求日益增加的背景下。像ChatGPT這樣的AI平台的引入激發了能力的激增，使得複雜的個人小玩意變得更為可行。此外，公司也熱衷於通過提供工具來簡化用戶互動，以減少智能手機的干擾，提高專注度和效率。

解決現代問題

Rabbit R1和Humane AI Pin打算解決現代設備的複雜性和侵入性。通過中心化的工具和功能，他們的目標是減少我們對智能手機的依賴，承諾朝向更好的數位健康邁進。他們面對著如隱私、過於複雜的用戶界面，以及不斷應對多款設備的現代問題。

預期的挑戰

儘管他們具有創新的特性，但這些設備面臨著重大的挑戰：

  • 市場接受度：引入新類別總是具有挑戰性的，尤其是當試圖將用戶從無所不在的智能手機轉移過來時。
  • 功能性與必需性：他們必須證明他們是必需的，而不僅僅是新穎的。
  • 價格敏感性：尤其是對於Humane AI Pin來說，其較高的價格可能會阻止潛在的用戶。
  • 用戶準備度：將新科技整合進日常生活並非總是很直觀的。
  • 與現有科技的競爭：許多潛在的用戶可能會認為這些設備是多餘的，當智能手機已經滿足了他們的需求時。
誰具有優勢？

雖然這兩種設備都具有他們的優點，但由於Rabbit R1的價格更低和包含了一個觸摸屏，使得它更加親和，更容易融入日常生活，因此Rabbit R1可能會勝出Humane AI Pin。有趣，吸引人的界面和對傳統智能手機功能的獨立性使得Rabbit R1特別受到尋找科技武器中有點不同的人們的喜歡。

展望未來

Rabbit R1和Humane AI Pin的成功將嚴重依賴於他們展示在現實世界中的實用性和能夠順利融入用戶生活的能力。隨著科技風景不斷變化，這些設備只是可能在個人科技中產生重大轉變的開始。未來幾年將是確定這些創新是否將成為我們科技裝備的必需品，還是僅僅成為科技史冊中的註腳的關鍵時刻。

結論，密切關注這些發展對於任何對消費者科技的發展軌跡感興趣的人都是必要的。Rabbit R1或Humane AI Pin—或者兩者—能否成功地重新定義我們與科技的互動，仍有待觀察。

  • 2 min read

In the fast-paced world of technology, networking has become a cornerstone for professionals seeking growth, innovation, and collaboration. Platforms like Meetup.com have revolutionized the way individuals connect, offering a plethora of opportunities to engage with like-minded peers, stay updated on industry trends, and forge valuable partnerships. Let's delve into the realm of tech networking, exploring its benefits, challenges, and strategies for success.

Leveraging Tech Events: Networking in the tech industry extends far beyond traditional meet-and-greet gatherings. Events focused on specialized topics such as AWS and Kubernetes serve as fertile ground for knowledge exchange and professional networking. Attending these events not only keeps you abreast of the latest technological advancements but also opens doors to meaningful connections. Whether you're seeking insights on cloud computing or exploring new career avenues, tech meetups offer a wealth of opportunities to expand your horizons.

Overcoming Barriers: Despite the myriad benefits of networking, many professionals encounter barriers that hinder their participation. One significant hurdle is the inability to relate to certain topics or interests shared by others. In a diverse landscape where conversations span from technology to sports or entertainment, feeling out of place can be daunting. For individuals lacking enthusiasm for mainstream topics like football or Netflix, navigating networking events may pose a challenge. Similarly, finding like-minded individuals who share niche interests, such as discussing books, can be elusive in some settings, leading to feelings of isolation.

Embracing Resilience and Authenticity: To unlock the full potential of networking, it's crucial to cultivate resilience and authenticity. Acknowledge that imperfections are part of the journey, and moments of discomfort are fleeting. Embrace a mindset of self-assurance, knowing that any lapses or awkward encounters are likely to be forgotten amidst the multitude of interactions. By fostering confidence in yourself and your abilities, you can approach networking opportunities with authenticity, building genuine connections grounded in mutual respect and shared interests.

Prepare an Elevator Pitch: I am an IT professional with over twelve years of experience in the banking industry. My journey in digital transformation transcends technological boundaries, encompassing the realms of people influence and strategic vision. Inspired by the disruption faced by big banks like DBS at the hands of challenger banks like Trust Bank, I am on a mission to bridge the gap between technology and strategy. My ultimate goal? To become a transformative leader in banking IT, driving innovation and propelling organizations towards a future of digital excellence.

In conclusion, networking in the tech industry is a multifaceted endeavor that requires resilience, authenticity, and a willingness to step outside comfort zones. By leveraging specialized events, overcoming barriers, and embracing authenticity, professionals can unlock boundless opportunities for growth, collaboration, and career advancement in the ever-evolving landscape of technology.

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

導航網路 - 在科技產業中克服阻礙並最大化潛力

在快節奏的科技世界中，網路已成為尋求增長、創新、和合作的專業人士的基石。像是Meetup.com這樣的平台已經革新了個體聯繫的方式，它提供了大量的機會，使你可以與志趣相同的同行接觸，並隨時了解行業趨勢，以及建立有價值的夥伴關係。讓我們深入探討科技網路的領域，探索它的利益、挑戰、以及成功的策略。

利用科技活動： 科技行業的網路遠遠超越傳統的見面會。專注於特定領域，如AWS和Kubernetes，這些活動成為了知識交流和專業人脈網路化的肥沃土壤。參加這些活動不僅可以讓你掌握最新的科技成就，也可以開啟與重要人士建立關係的大門。無論你是尋求有關雲計算的見解，還是正在探索新的職業道路，科技見面會都提供了大量的機會讓你拓寬視野。

克服阻礙： 儘管網路具有眾多的優點，但是許多專業人士卻遇到了阻礙他們參與的障礙。一個重大的挑戰是與他人共享的某些主題或興趣無法產生共鳴。在一個多元化的景觀中，人們的交談涵蓋了科技到體育或娛樂等各種範疇，感到格格不入可能會讓人望而卻步。對於那些對主流話題，如足球或Netflix，缺乏熱情的人來說，網路活動可能構成挑戰。同樣，找到分享小眾興趣的同好，比如討論書籍，在一些場合中可能是難以捉摸的，從而導致孤立的感覺。

擁抱韌性和真誠： 為了充分發揮網路的潛力，培養韌性和真誠是至關重要的。承認缺點是成長過程的一部分，而不適應的片刻是短暫的。擁抱自信的心態，知道任何疏忽或者尷尬的遭遇在大量的互動中都可能被遺忘。通過培養對自身及你的能力的信心，你可以以真誠的態度去尋找網路的可能性，建立在相互尊重和共享利益基礎上的真實關係。

準備電梯演講： 我是一位擁有十二年銀行業經驗的IT專業人士。我的數位轉型之旅超越了科技界限，涵蓋了人們的影響和戰略視野的領域。受到DBS等大型銀行面臨挑戰銀行如Trust Bank帶來的瓦解啟示，我正在努力在技術和策略之間架設橋樑。我最終的目標？成為銀行IT的變革領導者，推動創新，促進組織邁向數位卓越的未來。

總結來說，科技行業中的網路是一種需要韌性，真誠和願意走出舒適區的多面體。通過利用專業活動，克服阻礙和擁抱真誠，專業人士可以在科技的不斷進化景觀中解鎖無窮的增長、合作和職業發展的機會。

  • 2 min read

Weekend Escapes from Singapore - Discover the Charm of Macau

Living in Singapore offers a bustling urban life filled with endless amenities and attractions. Yet, the compact nature of this vibrant city-state can sometimes leave residents longing for a change of scenery, especially on weekends. If you're looking for a quick getaway to break the monotony, consider Macau, a special administrative region of China, known for its unique blend of Portuguese and Chinese cultures. Here’s why Macau is the perfect weekend destination for those based in Singapore.

Culinary Delights

Macau's food scene is a spectacular showcase of its rich cultural tapestry. As a former Portuguese colony, Macau offers an array of mouth-watering cuisine that reflects its historical ties. One must-try dish is the iconic Portuguese egg tart; a creamy, flaky treat that has earned acclaim worldwide. Another local specialty, the sardine fish noodle, offers a taste of traditional flavors that are both bold and satisfying. Dining in Macau allows you to take a gastronomic journey through its colonial past, with every dish telling a story of cultural fusion.

Thrilling Entertainment

Macau is famed as the "Las Vegas of Asia," and for good reason. The region is replete with sprawling casinos and extravagant entertainment options. One of the newest additions is The Londoner, a Sands casino that offers a themed experience complete with a Harry Potter show that fans will adore. Just a stone’s throw away is The Parisian, where you can marvel at a stunning replica of the Eiffel Tower. Whether you're a gambler or just a spectator, the glitz and glamour of Macau’s entertainment scene are sure to dazzle you.

Rich Historical Tapestry

Beyond its culinary delights and entertainment spectacle, Macau is a city steeped in history. The region is dotted with historical sites that are a testament to its colonial past and Chinese heritage. Explore the old shipyards where Macau’s maritime history comes to life, or visit ancient temples that have stood the test of time. Each site offers a glimpse into the storied past of this fascinating region, making it a perfect destination for history buffs.

Conclusion

Macau offers a compelling blend of gastronomy, entertainment, and history, making it an ideal weekend getaway from Singapore. Whether you're indulging in delicious Portuguese-inspired cuisine, enjoying world-class entertainment, or exploring rich historical sites, Macau has something to offer every traveler. So, the next time you find yourself wondering where to go for a quick escape, consider the vibrant charm of Macau — a place where every visit is a new adventure.

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

從新加坡逃走的週末 - 探索澳門的魅力

住在新加坡可以享受繁華的城市生活，擁有無盡的設施和景點。然而，這個充滿活力的城市國家的緊湊性質有時會讓居民渴望換個環境，尤其是在週末。如果你正在尋找一個快速的度假之地來打破單調，可以考慮澳門，這是一個中國的特別行政區，以其獨特的葡萄牙和中國文化融合而聞名。以下是為什麼澳門是那些居住在新加坡的人的完美週末目的地。

美食縱橫

澳門的飲食界是其豐富文化織錦的絢麗展示。作為葡萄牙的前殖民地，澳門提供一系列令人垂涎的美食，反映出其歷史緣由。一個必須嘗試的菜色是標誌性的葡式蛋撻；這是一種口感奶滑酥脆的美食，已在全球贏得好評。另一個當地的特產，沙丁魚面，提供了豐富且令人滿足的傳統風味。在澳門用餐讓你可以通過美食來遊歷其殖民地過去，每道菜都訴說著一個文化融合的故事。

驚險的娛樂

澳門被譽為"亞洲的拉斯維加斯"，有充分的理由。該地區擁有繁多的大型賭場和豪華的娛樂選擇。其中最新的一個是倫敦人酒店，一家金沙賭場，提供一種主題體驗，包括哈利波特的表演，粉絲們一定會喜愛。只需丟一塊石頭的距離就可以到達巴黎人酒店，你可以在那裡欣賞到埃菲爾鐵塔的驚人複製品。無論你是賭博者還是旁觀者，澳門的娛樂場面的炫麗與魅力肯定會迷住你。

豐富的歷史織錦

除了美食和娛樂的壯觀外，澳門是一座浸透在歷史中的城市。該區域充滿了歷史遺址，這是對其殖民過去和中國文化遺產的見證。探索舊的造船廠，感受澳門的海洋歷史，或參觀經受住時間考驗的古老寺廟。每一個場所都提供了對這個迷人區域曾經的故事的一瞥，這讓它成為歷史愛好者的完美目的地。

總結

澳門提供了美食，娛樂和歷史的迷人組合，使其成為從新加坡理想的週末度假之地。無論您是在享用美味的葡萄牙式菜肴，欣賞世界級的娛樂，或探索豐富的歷史，澳門都有每個旅行者需要的一切。所以，下次你再想找一個地方快速逃脫時，可以考慮澳門這個每次造訪都是新冒險的地方的迷人風采。

  • 3 min read

Harnessing the Power of Hypothesis-Driven Problem-Solving in Business

In every aspect of business, problem-solving is a fundamental skill. It's not just about finding solutions; it's about crafting a narrative that connects an issue to its solution through the strategic use of language. This narrative often follows a structure we might colloquially term as "A, but B, so the question is..."

Take, for example, a desire to purchase a Mercedes—an expensive piece of car. The issue is straightforward: "I want to buy a Mercedes, but I don't have enough money, so the question is, how can I gather enough funds to buy a Mercedes?" This form of questioning is not just about seeking answers; it raises awareness, engages critical thinking, and aligns us to the task at hand.

This technique is pivotal in business settings. Let's look at another scenario: "We need to achieve efficient cost-saving through our procurement system. But only 20% of our workforce is utilizing it, so the question is, how can we increase adoption of our procurement process to 100%?" Here, the situation is not just about acknowledging the problem; it’s about exploring the solution space with precision and conscious effort.

It's a journey that begins with understanding the hierarchy of questions. Among these, "What can we do about it?" stands out as the most crucial one. It's about focusing on the "so what" and pushing past the "interesting, thanks" stage. It's the question that moves us from passive contemplation to active solution-finding.

As business owners, consultants, or problem solvers, our job is to navigate through the complex maze of client communication—where often, the client knows there's a problem but can't articulate what they need. It's our role to be patient and diligent, to frame the issue back to them, to validate and understand, much like how a therapist listens to guide their patient.

In regions like APAC, where the utilization of consultants is still maturing compared to markets like the US, setting expectations becomes a two-way street. It's about collaborating to define the scope and success criteria of the project. It's essential to ensure that there is an alignment, even if it's not perfect.

To this end, we start meetings by framing them as exploratory discussions, where perfection isn't the goal—progress is. This mindset allows for value addition and embraces an agile way of working.

Engagement and alignment with stakeholders are not one-off events; they are continuous touchpoints where feedback is gathered, and check-ins are frequent. It's not just about the ego of the consultant; it's about integrating clients into the solution-building process, working together, and being seen not as an outsider but as a partner.

So, how does one differentiate between a hypothesis and a solution? Data. A hypothesis remains an educated guess until it's tested against real-world variables. Hence, we often approach this with a "blah, but blah, so the question is..." format, making the logic clear, and the pathway to resolution transparent.

While it may be interesting to know why a problem exists, it's more critical to understand how to reverse it. This may involve a top-down or bottom-up approach, depending on the complexity of the issue. But remember, in business, less is often more. We prioritize—the top three hypotheses are focused on, not ten, because time is never on our side.

In conclusion, the power of hypothesis-driven problem-solving lies in its ability to drive work through focused inquiry. It's about choosing the low-hanging fruit and working agilely to find solutions. It's about taking a step back to see the bigger picture and avoid the pitfalls that can throw an organization off course. So the next time you're faced with a business challenge, remember: start with the hypothesis, validate it with data, and let it guide you to the solution.

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

在商業中利用假設驅動問題解決的力量

在商業的每一個方面，問題解決都是一個基本的技能。關鍵不只是找到解決方案，而是透過策略性的語言運用，編織出一個將問題與其解決方案連結起來的敘事。這種敘事通常遵循我們可能俚語稱為 "A，但是B，所以問題是..." 的結構。

以欲購買一輛梅賽德斯——一台昂貴的汽車——為例。問題很直接：「我想買一台梅賽德斯，但我沒有足夠的錢，所以問題是，我該如何籌集足夠的資金去購買一台梅賽德斯？」這種提問方式不只是尋找解答，它提升了我們的覺察，引發批判性思考，並將我們與手邊的任務對齊。

此技巧在商業環境中具有關鍵性作用。讓我們再看另一個情境：「我們需要透過我們的採購系統達到有效的節約成本。但只有20％的員工正在利用它，所以問題是，我們如何將我們採購程序的採用率提升到100％？」在這裡，情況不僅僅是認識到問題; 它是關於用精確且有意識的努力去探究解決方案空間。

這是一趟開始於理解問題層次的旅程。在這其中，「我們可以對此做些什麼？」這個問題被視為最關鍵的一個。這是關於專注於「那又如何」並推動我們越過「有趣，謝謝」的階段。這是將我們從被動的思考轉換為主動尋找解決方案的問題。

作為商業所有者、顧問或問題解決者，我們的任務是在客戶溝通的複雜迷宮中導航——在這裡，客戶常常知道存在問題，但無法清楚表達他們需要什麼。我們的角色是要有耐心和勤奮，將問題反映給他們，驗證和理解，就像心理治療師聆聽並引導他們的病人一樣。

在像亞太區這樣的地區，與美國等市場相比，顧問的利用率仍在成熟，因此設定期望成為雙向的街道。這是關於合作定義專案的範疇和成功標準。確保有一種對齊，即使不是完美的也很重要。

為了這個目的，我們通過將會議定義為探索性討論來開始，其中，完美並不是目標—進步才是。這種心態使得價值的增加並擁抱敏捷的工作方式成為可能。

與利益相關者的參與和對齊不是一次性的事件；它們是不斷的接觸點，這裡收集反饋，並經常進行檢查。這不只是顧問的自我，而是要將客戶融入到解決方案的建立過程中，共同工作，並被視為一個夥伴而不是外來者。

那麼，人們如何區分假設和解汐方案呢？數據。假設仍然是一個有根據的猜想，直到它被實際情況的變量來測試。因此，我們通常使用 "哼，但是哼，所以問題是..." 的格式來處理這個問題，使邏輯清晰，並使解決的途徑透明。

雖然知道問題存在的原因可能很有趣，但更重要的是要了解如何扭轉它。這可能涉及自上而下或自下而上的方法，取決於問題的複雜性。但請記住，在商業中，簡單往往就是最好的。我們優先考慮——專注於前三個假設，而不是十個，因為時間從來都不在我們這邊。

總的來說，假設驅動問題解決的力量在於它可以通過專注的質疑來推進工作。這是關於選擇低掛的果實並靈活地去尋找解決方案。這是關於退一步看大圖，避免可能會讓組織偏離路線的陷阱。所以，下次當你面臨商業挑戰時，請記住：從假設開始，用數據來驗證它，並讓它引導你找到解決方案。