WTF: Innovation Jedi?

What’s in a Name?

Whenever I mention my company's name in a conversation, the usual reaction is either a big smile (....Star Wars fans) or a rather doubtful, questioning, facial expression .. disbelief in its purest form. Now, before looking into this rather strange name, let me briefly explain what we do.

The Short Version

(aka the

Tired One)

The short version is rather straightforward: “We provide project management services to our clients!” ..which has the benefit of being easy to understand, allowing me to go back to my drink. But yep, as any oversimplification this isn't even close to the truth.

The Real Story

Project management is an essential (and rather boring) ingredient to our existence, as there is much more to it. So a better definition would probably be something like …“We are helping our clients to develop innovative solutions (read products and services…for examples pls have a look at our reference project [URL] ) AND prevent scope creep during the project, shielding the project from those dark forces trying to keep doing as always…. business as usal”.

The Three Pillars of Innovation Jedi

1. Project management…the boring BUT important stuff: keeping the project on track (using standard project management techniques and tools) …balancing the iron triangle… TIME, RESOURCES and SCOPE. Google Prince2 for more details.

   
   

2. Innovation management looks for the underlying needs of the stakeholders and makes sure that the ultimate value proposition serves those needs. Sounds simple but in reality it is extremely complex. I'm the end this is what creates added value (in the customer eyes) and therefore satisfaction (which can translate into money…if desired)

   
   

3. Change management is closely linked to innovation. You want to change the way things are done ? You'll need to face resistance from your customers, employees and stakeholders. The human we being tends to reject any form of change, that's how we are made. In order to reduce rejection (increase adoption) we'll pamper all stakeholders throughout the process….a tough job it is.

The Jedi Approach

These three elements require different skills which is why we might activate different experts throughout the project in order to maximise the probability of the project to succeed. This happens always in full transparency AND within the project budget, no naughty surprises, promised.

In a Nutshell

Innovation JEDI is more than just project management.

 It’s about combining discipline, creativity, and human empathy to deliver innovative solutions that truly stick — while keeping projects on track and under control.

Next month: Why (or better, when) would you need a Jedi?