6 Mind-Blowing Ways Super Mario is Saving Corporations!

How often do you hear that there's only one "right" way to approach business problems? Well, that's not always the case, and it can lead to some real headaches.

Traditionally, folks think the correct order is always "business, data, technology." They believe other approaches lead to mistakes like:

1. Focusing too much on tech and not enough on business outcomes
2. Assuming data quality and availability without checking
3. Overlooking important business context and nuances

While these are valid concerns, sticking to just one approach can stifle innovation and lead to business stagnation.

Here's the thing: we need to shake up our thinking a bit. Instead of assuming there's only one correct path, we should consider that different approaches can be valuable in different situations. Take a page from big pharma's book and make continuous innovation part of your DNA.

Legitimate Business Cases for Each Option:

1. Business, Data, Technology (THe Supposed Correct Ordering!) - Example: A retail company wants to improve customer experience. They start by understanding their business goals (increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty). Then, they collect data on customer behaviour and preferences. Finally, they implement technology (AI-powered chatbots) to provide personalized support.

2. Data, Technology, Business - Example: A startup develops a new data analytics tool (technology) and then looks for business problems to apply it to (data-driven approach). They eventually find a client in the healthcare industry who needs to analyze patient data.

3. Technology, Business, Data - Example: A company invests in a new CRM system (technology) to improve sales processes. They then re-evaluate their business strategy to align with the new technology. Finally, they collect data on sales performance to refine their approach.

4. Business, Technology, Data - Example: An e-commerce company wants to expand into new markets (business goal). They invest in a new e-commerce platform (technology) and then collect data on customer behaviour in those markets.

5. Data, Business, Technology - Example: A researcher collects data on climate patterns (data) and then identifies business opportunities for sustainable energy solutions. Finally, they develop technology (renewable energy systems) to support those solutions.

6. Technology, Data, Business - Example: A company develops a new IoT sensor (technology) and collects data on industrial equipment performance. They then identify business opportunities for predictive maintenance services.

In other words, everything has context!

Remember the Super Mario Effect? It's the idea that when we don't get negative feedback for our failures, we keep trying until we succeed.

That's the secret sauce behind R&D and innovation!

So, here's the solution: embrace multiple approaches and foster a culture of continuous innovation. Think of it as the corporate equivalent of lifelong learning.

Ready to put this into practice? Here's what you can do:

1. Recognize that all six approaches (business-data-technology, data-technology-business, etc.) can be legitimate in different scenarios. Be open to trying various orders depending on the situation.
2. Encourage a culture of experimentation and learning. Create an environment where it's okay to try new approaches without fear of failure.
3. Invest in both business analysis and R&D. They're not mutually exclusive – they're complementary!
4. Leverage generative AI to lower the cost of implementing the Super Mario Effect in your organization. This can help you become more responsive to your environment and better at seizing opportunities.
5. Be patient while waiting for the results. The benefits of this approach might not show up in your P&L overnight, but over time, you'll likely see improved adaptability and performance.

Remember, the goal isn't to find the "one true way" but to be flexible and responsive. By considering multiple approaches and fostering innovation, you'll be better equipped to tackle complex business challenges in our ever-changing world.

So, what do you think? Ready to embrace the idea that many roads can lead to Rome in the business world?