Innovation and the Baskin-Robbins effect
Innovation can be a challenging concept for organizations to navigate as it can encompass various activities and outcomes, depending on who you ask. This can result in a "Baskin-Robbins syndrome" where there are too many options and flavors to choose from, making it hard for executives to invest in the right innovation activities and outcomes. The solution to this is to set clear parameters and priorities to align innovation activities with business goals, allowing for easier decision making and optimized outcomes. Without this clarifying question of what executives want and expect, decision making can become overwhelming and ineffective.