Departure instead of standstill: How companies can shape the future

The current economic situation may be uncertain and influenced by political developments and negative consumer sentiment, but now is not the time for lethargy and passivity. On the contrary, it is the time to look forward, find ideas, and successfully implement innovations! Let's dare to embark on this journey together! Instead of being paralyzed by uncertainty, we should be aware that challenges also offer opportunities. By acting proactively, we can not only shield ourselves from external influences but also enhance our competitiveness. Nothing is worse in competition than a swamp of comparability and interchangeability, which strategic management often refers to as the "red ocean." Here, competitors (almost like sharks and piranhas) constantly circle around us, exposing us to financial dangers. Blue oceans are preferable, where there are hardly any competitors disturbing us, and customers appreciate our services with good prices and high margins. How can we achieve this? First and foremost, we need to focus on the market and ask ourselves what our customers really need. How can we better meet their needs? This is the key to successful product, service, process, market, and business model innovations. Through intensive customer interaction, feedback loops, and incremental product development, we can gain valuable insights and systematically improve our services, processes, and revenue models. Today, it is no longer sufficient to merely satisfy customers' explicitly stated desires! We now know that a true leader in value identifies and satisfies customer needs that they are not even aware of yet. This creates enthusiasm, customer loyalty, and reduced price sensitivity. This broader perspective is essential. Let's explore customers' unconscious desires and what is happening in other industries. Which existing and new competitors threaten our current business model? Which trends and (not just digital!) technologies could be relevant to our company? What partnerships could open up new opportunities for us? Innovation often arises from combining ideas from different sources. Another important aspect is corporate culture. Let's create a culture and structure of openness, creativity, and encouragement. Every idea, no matter how crazy it may seem at first, should be welcomed and at least honestly and professionally pursued. The best innovations often arise from seemingly "crazy" ideas. Therefore, despite the many fiefdoms and ego interests in organizations, it is important to create an environment of "permission, desire, ability, and action." Of course, innovation also entails risks, but standing still poses equally great risks. If we do not face the challenges, we will be overtaken by others. Companies that have the courage to take new paths now will be the ones that succeed in the future. To ensure that this journey is not a path to (costly) chaos, there are practical and already successfully implemented innovation processes and methods from both traditional and agile management teachings. In the end, only successfully implemented ideas deserve the label "innovation." And success in innovation management means at least return and liquidity, but ideally also long-term customer and employee satisfaction, a strong image, and attractiveness in the capital market. Let us therefore look forward together and dare to embark on a successful future. Let us not be lethargic, but full of energy and eager to act. Together, we can implement (incremental or even disruptive) innovations that propel us forward and change the world.