The Innovation Manager's Playbook - Distribution Version

Sports teams have playbooks to organize and orient team members to the strategies and techniques that have been proven to be effective, more often than not, in winning the game. A business or organization is not that much different from a sports team. They have strategies, techniques and tools that help to generate sales, profit and competitive separation. In most business schools, that is the definition of “winning.” Sometimes the “plays” are geared toward reaching a particular goal. Other times, the “plays” are designed to stay ahead of the competition. In all cases, an organization holds their collection of strategies, tactics, goals, tools and trade secrets (their “playbook”) very close to the vest. The strategic and growth-focused concept of innovation management is also highly effective when using the playbook approach. There are numerous processes, tools, techniques, exercises, models and strategies that have been proven to be effective, more often than not, in winning the game.