Cognitive diversity refers to the differences in how people perceive, think, and process information. It encompasses a range of attributes, including personality, skills, education, and experience. Research has shown that cognitive diversity is beneficial for organizations as it promotes innovation, creativity, and problem-solving.

However, humans have a natural tendency to seek out others who are similar to themselves, leading to homogenous groups that reinforce each other’s beliefs and perspectives. This phenomenon is called “groupthink,” and it can be detrimental to decision-making processes.

Groupthink can limit the range of solutions that are considered and stifle creativity. In contrast, cognitive diversity opens up a wider range of possibilities and helps avoid blind spots. When a team is composed of individuals with different viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds, they are more likely to generate novel ideas, challenge assumptions, and come up with creative solutions.

To promote cognitive diversity in teams, organizations should seek out individuals with different beliefs, personalities, training backgrounds, and risk tolerances. For example, a team that includes both analytical and creative thinkers, introverts and extroverts, and individuals from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds can bring unique perspectives to the table and enrich the decision-making process.

Recognizing the need for cognitive diversity is an essential first step towards creating a more inclusive and innovative workplace. Here are some signs that your team or organization may benefit from greater cognitive diversity:

Lack of innovation

If your team has been struggling to come up with new and creative ideas, it may be a sign that you need to bring in individuals with different backgrounds and perspectives.

Groupthink

If your team is prone to making decisions quickly and without much discussion, it may be a sign that groupthink is at play. Encouraging open dialogue and inviting dissenting opinions can help break out of this pattern.

Homogeneous teams

If your team is composed mostly of individuals with similar backgrounds, education, or experiences, it may be a sign that you are missing out on the benefits of cognitive diversity.

Lack of engagement

If team members seem disengaged or disinterested in their work, it may be a sign that they do not feel valued for their contributions. Bringing in individuals with diverse perspectives and acknowledging their unique perspectives can help foster a sense of engagement and commitment.

Narrow range of solutions

If your team tends to come up with a limited range of solutions to problems, it may be a sign that you are not taking advantage of the benefits of cognitive diversity. Bringing in individuals with different viewpoints and experiences can help broaden the range of solutions considered.

However, creating a diverse team is only the first step. To maximize the benefits of cognitive diversity, team members must be willing to listen to and engage with each other’s perspectives. Encouraging open dialogue, inviting dissenting opinions, and actively seeking out alternative viewpoints are essential strategies for creating an environment that values cognitive diversity.

In addition to enhancing innovation and creativity, cognitive diversity can also have a positive impact on employee satisfaction, retention, and well-being. When individuals feel valued for their unique contributions and perspectives, they are more likely to feel engaged and committed to their work.

In conclusion, cognitive diversity is crucial for promoting innovation and creativity in organizations. To realize its benefits, teams should be composed of individuals with diverse perspectives, skills, and backgrounds, and organizations should foster an environment that values open dialogue and dissenting opinions. By embracing cognitive diversity, organizations can position themselves to succeed in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world.

Little preamble – I was one of the lucky ones allowed to try out the new Windows Phone back in 2007, before the iPhone 1 got released, and were among the many who did not understood why waiting another 3 years with the release, why disallow android apps (we knew it can run them), etc.

In 2010, Microsoft released its Windows Phone operating system, hoping to take on the dominant mobile platforms, Android and iOS. However, after a few years of lackluster sales, Microsoft discontinued the platform in 2017. While the lack of apps is often cited as the main reason for its failure, there were other factors at play. In this article, we will explore the reasons why Windows Phone failed, besides the lack of apps.

Late to the game

Windows Phone was introduced in 2010, years after Android and iOS had already established themselves as the dominant players in the smartphone market. By the time Microsoft launched Windows Phone, the competition had already built strong ecosystems with a large number of apps, loyal users, and developer communities. Windows Phone was seen as a latecomer, and it faced an uphill battle to catch up with Android and iOS.

Weak marketing and brand image

Microsoft’s marketing efforts for Windows Phone were weak and ineffective. The company failed to convey a compelling message to consumers about what made Windows Phone unique or better than the competition. Additionally, Microsoft’s brand image at the time was still associated with traditional desktop computers, which made it difficult to establish credibility in the mobile market.

Lack of hardware diversity

While Android were available on a wide range of devices, Windows Phone was limited to a handful of devices from a few manufacturers. This lack of hardware diversity made it difficult for consumers to find the device that suited their needs, and it also limited the platform’s appeal to developers who were used to developing for a wide range of devices.

Inconsistent user experience

One of the strengths of Android and iOS is the consistency of the user experience across devices. In contrast, Windows Phone had a fragmented user experience across different devices, making it difficult for users to navigate and use the platform. This inconsistency also made it difficult for developers to create apps that worked well on all devices.

Lack of support from developers

The lack of apps is often cited as the primary reason for Windows Phone’s failure, but the lack of support from developers is a more significant issue. Developers were hesitant to invest time and resources in developing apps for Windows Phone due to the small market share and the difficulty of developing for the platform. As a result, the platform had a limited selection of apps, which further hurt its appeal to consumers.

In conclusion, the failure of Windows Phone was not just due to the lack of apps. It was a combination of factors, including being late to the game, weak marketing, lack of hardware diversity, inconsistent user experience, and the lack of support from developers. While Microsoft attempted to address some of these issues, it was ultimately too late, and the company had to abandon the platform.

The failure of Windows Phone provides valuable lessons for other companies launching new products in competitive markets. Here are some key takeaways:

Timing is critical

Timing is crucial in any product launch, especially in a highly competitive market. Companies need to consider when they enter the market and whether they have a compelling reason for consumers to switch from established players. Entering the market too late can make it difficult to gain traction and establish a foothold.

Marketing and branding are essential

Effective marketing and branding are critical to a product’s success. Companies need to develop a clear and compelling message that differentiates their product from the competition. Additionally, a strong brand image can help establish credibility and attract consumers.

Hardware diversity is important

Offering a range of devices can increase the appeal of a platform or product. By providing different options that cater to different user needs, companies can increase their potential customer base and attract a wider range of developers.

Consistency is key

Consistency is critical for creating a positive user experience. Consumers expect a certain level of consistency when using a product, and companies need to ensure that their product delivers a consistent user experience across devices.

Developer support is crucial

Developers play a significant role in the success of a platform or product. Companies need to provide developers with the tools and resources they need to develop apps and other software for their product. Additionally, companies need to incentivize developers to create apps for their platform by offering support and making it easy to develop for the platform.

In summary, the failure of Windows Phone highlights the importance of timing, marketing, branding, hardware diversity, consistency, and developer support in launching a successful product. Companies that take these lessons to heart are more likely to succeed in competitive markets and establish themselves as significant players in their industry.

And now onto Apple

Apple is rumored to be working on an augmented reality (AR) headset, which could revolutionize the way we interact with technology. While the success of the AR headset is not guaranteed, there are lessons that Apple can learn from the failure of Windows Phone to increase its chances of success.

Timing

Apple’s entry into the AR market needs to be carefully timed. The company needs to ensure that it has a compelling reason for consumers to switch to their AR headset and differentiate itself from competitors. Additionally, the company needs to consider the state of the technology and whether it is mature enough to deliver a compelling user experience.

Marketing and branding

Apple is known for its strong branding and marketing efforts. However, the company needs to ensure that it effectively communicates the benefits of its AR headset to consumers. Additionally, Apple needs to develop a clear and compelling message that differentiates its AR headset from competitors and establishes credibility in the AR market.

Hardware diversity

Apple has a history of offering a limited range of devices. However, for its AR headset to be successful, the company needs to offer a range of devices that cater to different user needs. This will increase the potential customer base and attract a wider range of developers.

Consistency

Consistency is critical for creating a positive user experience. Apple needs to ensure that its AR headset delivers a consistent user experience across devices, ensuring that users have a seamless experience regardless of the device they use.

Developer support

Developers will play a critical role in the success of Apple’s AR headset. The company needs to provide developers with the tools and resources they need to create compelling AR experiences for users. Additionally, Apple needs to incentivize developers to create apps for its AR headset by offering support and making it easy to develop for the platform.

In conclusion, the failure of Windows Phone provides valuable lessons for companies launching new products in competitive markets. By taking these lessons to heart and applying them to the upcoming AR headset, Apple can increase its chances of success and establish itself as a significant player in the AR market.

As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the jobs of the future will look very different from the jobs of today. In fact, many experts predict that many of the jobs that our children will have simply don’t exist yet. This means that as parents, we need to be preparing our children for a future that is largely unknown.

The idea that our children will have jobs that don’t yet exist may seem daunting, but it’s actually quite exciting. It means that they will have the opportunity to shape their own careers and find their own niche in the ever-evolving job market. The key to preparing our children for this future is to help them develop a range of skills and abilities that will be valuable no matter what career they choose.

One of the most important skills that our children will need is adaptability. They will need to be able to adapt quickly to new technologies and new ways of doing things. This means that they will need to be comfortable with change and willing to learn new skills on an ongoing basis.

Another important skill is creativity. As more and more jobs become automated, the ability to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions will become increasingly valuable. Our children will need to be able to think outside the box and approach problems from a variety of different angles.

In addition to these skills, our children will also need to develop strong communication and collaboration skills. As the workforce becomes more global and interconnected, the ability to communicate effectively with people from different cultures and backgrounds will be essential. Our children will also need to be able to work effectively in teams, both in person and remotely.

Finally, our children will need to develop a strong foundation in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) subjects. As technology continues to play an increasingly important role in our lives, jobs in these fields will continue to grow in demand. Even if our children don’t end up pursuing careers in STEM fields, having a solid foundation in these subjects will be valuable in almost any career.

As parents, it’s up to us to help our children develop these skills and abilities. We can do this by encouraging them to explore their interests and passions, exposing them to new ideas and experiences, and providing them with opportunities to learn and grow.

In conclusion, the idea that our children will have jobs that don’t exist yet may be intimidating, but it’s also a sign of an exciting and rapidly evolving job market. By helping our children develop a range of skills and abilities, we can prepare them for a future that is largely unknown but full of potential.

When I was at Microsoft, one of my roles was “External Business Development”. Yes, I had googly eyes on what that could be (one other role was “Solution Architect Evangelist” – clearly Microsoft’s (re)naming commando is not good with role names). So based on the few years I spent in that position, let me try to summarize what it was – I think this can be beneficial for positioning yourself in some cases.

External business development is the process of providing services to a company to help them identify new business opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations. As an external business development professional, your job is to help a company expand its business by identifying and pursuing new opportunities that can increase revenue, market share, and profitability.

If you are interested in becoming an external business development professional, here are some tips on how to get started:

Develop a deep understanding of the company’s business

Before you can identify new business opportunities for a company, you need to have a thorough understanding of its current business model, products or services, target market, and competitors. This will help you identify areas where the company can expand or improve its offerings.

Build a network of contacts

As an external business development professional, your success will depend largely on your ability to build relationships and network with other professionals in your industry. Attend industry events, conferences, and trade shows, and reach out to potential partners or customers to build your network.

Conduct market research

To identify new business opportunities, you need to conduct market research to identify trends, competitors, and potential partners. This will help you develop a strategy for identifying and pursuing new opportunities.

Develop a sales pitch

Once you have identified a potential business opportunity, you need to develop a sales pitch that highlights the benefits of working with your company. This should be tailored to the specific needs of the potential partner or customer, and should emphasize the unique value that your company can offer.

Follow up and maintain relationships

Building relationships is a key part of external business development. Once you have identified potential partners or customers, it is important to follow up and maintain those relationships over time. This can help you identify new opportunities and keep your company top-of-mind when new opportunities arise.

Stay up-to-date with industry trends

As an external business development professional, it is important to stay up-to-date with industry trends, new technologies, and emerging markets. This will help you identify new opportunities and stay ahead of the competition.

External business development can be a rewarding career path for individuals with strong networking and relationship-building skills, as well as a deep understanding of their industry. By following these tips, you can help companies identify and pursue new business opportunities, while building a successful career as an external business development professional. I tried following these ideas and main thoughts, and I do consider my stint as an external business development professional a success at Microsoft – and yes, I was getting extra kudos if my solution for a problem resulted in licenses 😂

The release of the iPhone in 2007 marked a turning point in the history of technology. It revolutionized the way we communicate, work, and live our lives. The impact of the iPhone was so significant that it changed the world forever. Today, Apple is preparing to release its AR/VR glasses, and many experts believe that this new technology will have an even greater impact on the world than the iPhone.

When the iPhone was released, it introduced a new era of smartphones. Prior to the iPhone, smartphones were bulky, complicated, and expensive devices that only a few people could afford. The iPhone changed all that by making smartphones accessible to everyone. It was sleek, simple to use, and affordable. The iPhone was the first smartphone that truly changed the game, and it became an instant hit.

The iPhone changed the world in many ways. It transformed the way we communicate, making it easier and more convenient than ever before. The iPhone allowed us to browse the internet, send emails, and text messages, all from the palm of our hand. It revolutionized the way we work, allowing us to be connected to our colleagues and clients no matter where we were. The iPhone also transformed the entertainment industry, making it possible to watch movies, listen to music, and play games on the go.

Now, Apple is set to do it again with its AR/VR glasses. The technology behind these glasses will allow users to immerse themselves in virtual and augmented reality experiences like never before. It will be a game-changer in the world of gaming, entertainment, and even education. Imagine being able to explore the world’s greatest museums and historical sites without ever leaving your living room. Imagine being able to attend concerts, conferences, and events from the comfort of your own home.

Apple’s AR/VR glasses will also change the way we interact with the world around us. It will allow us to visualize data and information in new ways, making it easier to understand complex concepts. It will also change the way we shop, allowing us to try on clothes and accessories virtually before making a purchase. The potential applications of this technology are endless.

But the impact of AR/VR glasses won’t just be limited to entertainment and education. It will also have significant implications for healthcare, architecture, and engineering. Imagine being able to perform surgery or design a building in a virtual environment. It will allow professionals in these fields to work more efficiently and effectively than ever before.

In conclusion, the release of the iPhone in 2007 changed the world forever. It transformed the way we communicate, work, and live our lives. Now, Apple is set to do it again with its AR/VR glasses. This new technology will allow us to immerse ourselves in virtual and augmented reality experiences like never before, and it will have a significant impact on a wide range of industries. The potential applications of this technology are endless, and it’s exciting to think about the possibilities that lie ahead.