Keeping the Competitive Edge Sharp

Earlier today, while  reading an article in the Washington Times by Jeffery Sparshott on “America’s Cutting Edge,” I was reminded of how, a few years ago I was advising friends and clients that if they wanted to keep a competitive edge with the “MBAs of today (well, now the MBAs of yesterday),” they had to start “renewing their education.” 

“Even the most seasoned of executives needs to constantly refresh their education,” I would tell them.  “After all, doctors are required to participate in continuing medical education (CME) because of constantly updated science, and today’s business technologies and best practices are changing at the same pace. Possibly even faster!” 

That MBA earned in the 80’s may not have fully prepared the CEOs for today’s unique business challenges, and, as more and more MBAs graduate with strong innovation skills, today’s senior executives need to take steps to, to paraphrase Apple, “think innovation” to be leaders in the world of tomorrow. 

As Sparshott says, “innovation is a key to U.S. competitveness in a global economy with old rivals and upstarts vying to generate the best jobs and the most technologically advanced products." 

You said it Sparshott.