When you think about any situation, you can focus your thinking on abstract aspects or specific details. A market segment can be characterized broadly (women 25-34) or specifically (women in an early career phase who are newly-married and starting a family). When setting the ground rules for an innovation, you can describe it generally (find a game-changing way for people to clean their teeth) or in minute detail (create an abrasive cleanser that can be added to toothpaste to simulate that dentist-clean feeling after brushing at home).
Learn to Adjust Your Focus
When you think about any situation, you can focus your thinking on abstract aspects or specific details. A market segment can be characterized broadly (women 25-34) or specifically (women in an early career phase who are newly-married and starting a family). When setting the ground rules for an innovation, you can describe it generally (find […]
September 21, 2011
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New!
HBR Learning
Innovation and Creativity Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Innovation and Creativity. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Unlock your team's curiosity and willingness to take smart risks.