Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Sunday, January 29, 2012

George Lucas on his "Creative Process"

Director George Lucas Shares His Visionary Process

Legendary director George Lucas opens up to Oprah about his movie-making process for films like American Graffiti and Star Wars. Plus, they talk about the importance of following your passion.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Create It - Implementation at Toyota


Yes I know Toyota has had problems in the last couple of years. But I'm not taking them off my list of great companies. We still own 3 Camrys in our family and I don't really plan a change.

Most of us have worked in some organization large or small that has trouble implementing 1 or 2 new ideas a year. Toyota implements 1 million each year!

ONE MILLION!

Selah... (A Hebrew term meaning "think about it")

I didn't say they came up with a million ideas a year. I didn't say they received a million ideas in there little suggestion box. I said they implement 1 million ideas a year.

These ideas don't come from the C Suite, a think tank, or some outside consultant. They come from every level of the organization. At Toyota everyone is expected to be creative.

Matthew E. May in his book, The Elegant Solution says "this is why their nearly $150 billion-plus market value outstrips GM, Ford, Daimler-Chryler, Honda, and Volkswagen put together. It's the reason they're one of the planet's 10 most valuable companies. It's why they make well over twice as much money as any other carmaker, and with under 15% of the market. It's why their systems, processes and procedures are the envy of the world."

Too many organizations think of creativity as some nice little superfluous concept. But creative implementation is the heart of improvement. And improvement is the heart of profits.

Comments

“Working with Dale has always been rewarding. Dale has always been on the leading edge developing new ways of marketing his products and services. Always willing to try new approaches and follow through... Always convincing.”

Fred Friday, Director of Operations Fundcraft Publishing, Memphis, Tennessee

"Dale has always impressed me with his integrity, marketing insights, compassion and follow through. He thinks outside the box, asks the questions that others fail to ask and has a real heart for training others to be the best they can be. You can count on Dale."

Tim Turner, Owner Turner Strategic - Atlanta, Georgia – March 14, 2009

“Dale is always the most prepared person in the room. He has the ability to listen and clarify the issue at hand. He is a creative, caring leader. He has always been a joy to work with.”

Beverly Sherman, Owner Creative Connections - Lansing, Michigan – March 2, 2009

“I would like to take the opportunity to offer my recommendation for Dale Cobb. He has the remarkable ability to clearly listen to a problem, understand the issues and suggest a course of action that satisfies the needs of me and my clients. I cannot tell you how many times his advice was precisely what I needed to close a deal or carefully resolve a difficult situation. He is resourceful and creative in his teaching style. Over all he helped me to be more efficient and successful in my career.”

Michael Ward - Houston, Texas

“Dale gives attention to detail and runs one of the best team meetings I’ve ever seen. He has the keen ability to make complex things seems simple enough that anyone could understand them.”

Elwyn Henderson, Owner-Partner Mosaic Images - Gilmer, Texas

A great speaker, very detailed, personable, and a great trainer. Easy to work with on small to large projects. Observant and finishes to the end! Always impressed!

April Michele Floyd – Olan Mills – August 30, 2012