Making Creativity and Innovation Part of Your Organizational DNA

Cahlan Sharp

@cahlan

about me

• From Nevada

• Softare engineer (10 yrs)

• 5 (or so) failed startups

• Married w/ 4 kids

• ​A passion for technology and education

my least favorite word in business: 

SYNERGY

SYNERGY

Commonly confused with: relationship, agreement, energy, compatibility

synergy defined:

The sum is greater than the parts

synergy, culture, creativity

All represent an output (or a descriptor of an output), not necessarily an input.

Synergize!

Creating a culture that lends itself to creativity, innovation.

Culture (like creativity)

is not necessarily what you say it is

Culture according to Netflix

• creating a "dream team"
  • retain only highly effective people
• extraordinarily candid
• avoid rules
• independent decision making

Culture according to Zappos

• embrace and drive change
• fun and a little weird
• do more with less
• be adventurous, open-minded

What you need to build a culture

1. PEOPLE
2. ENVIRONMENT
3. DIRECTION
4. CONSTRAINT

People

Skills, talents, potential, "fit"

Environment

space, values, procedures

Direction

who are we?

what are we striving to become?

Constraint

paralysis of choice, hidden advantages

A Case Study:                  

PEOPLE

"we care"

A Case Study:                  

ENVIRONMENT

A Case Study:                  

DIRECTION

A Case Study:                  

CONSTRAINT

• 12 weeks
• in Utah
• (no funding)
• beginners

THANKS!