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The Un-Comfort Zone II by Robert Evans Wilson, Jr. Outsourcing Innovation Ideas from other industries may be just what you need. In the early 2000s, Dr. Allan Goldman, a chief physician at the Great Ormond Street Hospital, a children’s hospital in London, observed too many mistakes being made when patients were trans- ferred from surgery to intensive care. It seemed no one person was specifically in charge of a patient hand-off, and con- fusion would arise as several people exchanged vital information all at once. The process was slow, inefficient, and occasionally disastrous - such as when a patient needing assistance to breathe arrived in intensive care before the ven- tilator was set up. One day, after watching a Formula One automobile race, Dr. Goldman noticed similarities between patient trans- fers and a race car making a pit stop. The race car crew was able to change tires, refuel, clean vents, and more in seven seconds. The process was sys- tematic and precise. It was exactly what the hospital needed, and he decided to consult the Ferrari race team to help design an efficient patient transfer pro- tocol. The people from Ferrari helped de- velop a three-step procedure to com- plete patient transfers. The result was a decrease in technical errors of 42%, and a decrease of clinical information omissions of 49%. In a previous article, I wrote cre- ativity takes time, and because of this, busy people are seldom innovators. Time is needed not just for innovation, but also for identifying where innovation is needed. Busy companies can now out- source innovation to creative think tanks. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Joey Reiman, founder of BrightHouse, an idea consultancy. He said, “We thought the notion of rumi- nating could have powerful implications for businesses that seldom have time to stop and think.” Companies looking to develop strate- gies and tactics, new products, human resource programs and practices, or consumer communications, can now turn it over to Reiman’s firm. He said his 21- person team of creative thinkers will spend 16 weeks developing a master idea. Making his consultancy unique, Reiman begins by identifying a compa- ny’s purpose. According to Reiman, “Purpose is your organization's distinct reason for being, and the positive impact you seek to make in the world. The soul of an organization and its purpose lies at its origins. That's why we excavate pur- pose. The fruits are in the roots.” I also had the opportunity to speak with John Palumbo, founder of BigHeads Network. He describes his company as the curator of a brain-trust of more than 1000 handpicked creative minds, vision- aries, and problem-solvers who all come from many different backgrounds such as documentary producing, collegiate coaching, jewelry designing, cardiology, iron working, video game developing, among others. When companies come to Palumbo for ideas, he assembles a creative team of six or more of these diverse minds to work with a core team from the client business. According to Palumbo, “Inno- vation is often the result of random col- lisions where ideas from outside your industry are applied to your own.” His unique creative teams bring their con- trasting perspectives to the table to accel- erate the process. Similar to the hospital surgery/race car pit crew collaboration, Palumbo brings in experts from outside industries to iden- tify techniques and approaches they use which could be applied to his client’s objectives. In my own work with innovation, I have found people can also use their hobbies to give them unique insights they may combine with their work. What- ever your hobby - singing, skiing, knitting, rock climbing, tennis, or painting - it is something about which you are very passionate and have developed a pow- erful knowledge base. Think about your work, products services, business practices, and the problems you may have encountered. How can you apply your special expert- ise from your hobby to your company? What aspect of your hobby could improve your business? Whether you outsource ideas from a think tank or from your hobbies, you will gain a unique perspective on your problems. Robert Robert is a motivational speaker and humorist. He works with compa- nies that want to be more competitive and with people who want to think like innovators. For more information on Robert’s programs, visit www.jumpstartyourmeeting.com or contact him via e-mail at admin@ worldwidedrillingresource.com 28 JUNE 2013 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® In Memoriam David P. “Dave” Lilly, Sr. (1944~2013) David P. “Dave” Lilly, Sr., age 69, passed away March 27, 2013. He was born in Charleston, West Virginia, and graduated from West Virginia University with a bachelor of science in mining engineering. He later received a mas- ter’s degree from the University of South Carolina. A registered professional engineer, Dave worked in the explosives indus- try for 44 years where he was considered a legend. He retired from Dyno Nobel in 2010. He enjoyed traveling with his family and especially enjoyed lecture trips to Oxford University in England. He was a member of the Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church, the Professional Engineers of South Carolina, and the International Society of Explosives Engineers. Dave is survived by his wife Karen, children David (Amy), Susan (Rob), Ann (Trent), Tom (Karin), and ten grandchildren. The management and staff of WorldWide Drilling Resource ® extend their condolences to Dave’s family and friends.