Chief Optimist - Business http://www.getoptimistic.com/ Insight for business leaders Five Steps to Strengthening Cyber-Defenses http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/Five-Steps-to-Strengthening-Cyber-Defenses/ CIOInsight.com Tue, 25 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT A cyber-attack may be inevitable, but that doesn’t mean companies should just hide under their desks and cover their heads. A sound, proactive security strategy can be the difference between a reputation-shattering breach and a small clean-up job. So how can you shore up your digital defenses? It starts by looking beyond technology. Keeping Your Business Relevant Means Having a Digital Strategy with Focus and Speed http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/Keeping-Your-Business-Relevant-Means-Having-a-Digital-Strategy-with-Focus-and-Speed/ CIO.com Wed, 19 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT “In the new world it is not the big fish which eats the small fish, it is the fast fish which eats the slow fish.” More and more startup companies packed with spritely brains and fast-twitch digital fibers are gobbling up older slow-moving businesses. It’s time to cut your legacy IT system anchors and rethink your outdated business ideologies. Flexibility and velocity are today’s most valuable assets. When You Clean Up Your Digital Spaghetti, Anything Is Possible http://getoptimistic.com/business-videos/When-You-Clean-Up-Your-Digital-Spaghetti-Anything-Is-Possible/ Fri, 14 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT (1:07) Companies now have reams of data, thousands of processes and limitless potential. But before you realize that potential, you’ll need to clean up your “digital spaghetti,” as author and researcher Dr. George Westerman puts it. Transform Into a Digital Master http://getoptimistic.com/business-videos/Transform-Into-a-Digital-Master/ Thu, 13 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT (0:50) Dr. George Westerman, author and innovation researcher, discusses rethinking assumptions and taking risks in order to become a Digital Master. An Agile Approach to Organizational Change Management http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/An-Agile-Approach-to-Organizational-Change-Management/ GovernmentCIOMagazine.com Mon, 10 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT Turnover. Every organization is affected by it. Some have overcome it. Others have fallen victim to it. How can you keep your best employees from walking out the door? Many leaders are turning to a concept known as Organizational Change. In combination with the Agile and Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) methods, this technique is helping identify and resolve issues before they lead to turnover. Optimism in the Modern Workplace Revealed http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/Optimism-in-the-Modern-Workplace-Revealed/ Thu, 23 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT Xerox surveyed over 5,000 people regarding their optimism in the workplace. See the results and learn why optimism is so important for business success. 6 workflow advantages to help you tackle automation hesitation. http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/6-workflow-advantages-to-help-you-tackle-automation-hesitation/ Thu, 23 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT If you're experiencing "automation hesitation," take a look at these benefits of improving workflows. The automated life: Make 24 hours feel like 25 http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/the-automated-life-make-24-hours-feel-like-25/ Sun, 19 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT Check out these apps and tools that can help you get more done in 24 hours. New IT Skills: Why Communication, Accountability, Initiative Are Hot Now http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/New-IT-Skills-Why-Communication-Accountability-Initiative-Are-Hot-Now/ InformationWeek.com Tue, 30 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT When it comes to finding highly skilled IT talent, firms usually look for those with expertise in data and analytics, cloud computing, software development, operations and information security. That could be changing. Many employers now look for talent with softer skills, like being able to work well in a team environment and effective written and oral communication abilities. 3 Critical Success Factors for Web-to-Print Success http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/3-Critical-Success-Factors-for-Web-to-Print-Success/ OutputLinks.com Mon, 15 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT For web to print some implementations succeed with flying colors while others simply don’t. In a recent survey, 40 percent of respondents claimed it was their least worthwhile investment. So what factors are critical to the success of a web-to-print program? Howie Fenton, associate director at InfoTrends, discusses. What Worries Private Sector CIOs, and Why It Matters to Feds http://getoptimistic.com/government-articles/What-Worries-Private-Sector-CIOs-and-Why-It-Matters-to-Feds/ FCW.com Tue, 09 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT What is keeping private sector CIOs up at night? In a recent survey, more than half of the CIOs who participated said working to keep existing systems running worried them the most. And 79 percent said they were worried about delivering new services that support business growth. These worries shouldn’t be isolated to just the private sector. CIOs in the public sector should also take note. Bring Your Own Collaborations http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/Bring-Your-Own-Collaborations/ ComputerWeekly.com Mon, 01 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT When organizations employed a BYOD policy, they needed to find a balance between controlling organization assets and liberating employee productivity. Now that devices are evolving and becoming more multipurpose, it’s no longer just the device people are bringing. BYOD is now BYOC—bring your own cloud, content and collaboration. How can IT departments maintain control over their organizations’ digital assets? Unpacking the Value of Higher Ed http://getoptimistic.com/higher-education-articles/Unpacking-the-Value-of-Higher-Ed/ Chief Optimist Exclusive Thu, 21 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT Technology has changed not just the way businesses are modeled, but now higher education, too. Students are expecting more from their education, as are the employers who hire them when they graduate. The push for a higher quality education is forcing IT leaders to be more strategic about their investments—and many of them are turning to students to help. Putting the Art in Partnership Building an Alliance in Seven Steps—and Helping At-Risk Youth in the Process http://getoptimistic.com/business-blogs/Putting-the-Art-in-Partnership/ Faye Washington Mon, 18 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT What makes a great partnership? Faye Washington, president and CEO of the YWCA of Greater Los Angeles, has seven vital tenets. How to Choose the Right Cloud Services http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/How-to-Choose-the-Right-Cloud-Services/ Inc.com Tue, 05 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT Cloud computing can be confusing, let alone choosing the right cloud solution. With a basic understanding of the technical terms and different types of cloud solutions, you can easily start narrowing down the best options for your organization. InfoTrends Analysis: “Managed IT Infrastructure: Managed Print Services” http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/InfoTrends-Analysis-Managed-IT-Infrastructure-Managed-Print-Services/ InfoTrends Mon, 27 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT InfoTrends recently came out with their “Managed IT Infrastructure: Managed Print Services” analysis. See how different vendors stack up, and which might be the best fit for your organization. Parking and Printing Get Better http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/Parking-and-Printing-Get-Better/ Xerox Blogs Wed, 22 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT In this year’s Environmental Leader Product & Project Awards, Xerox came out a winner twice for the Merge parking management system and the Xerox® Print Awareness Tool. While both tools are geared toward protecting the environment, the Xerox® Print Awareness Tool can help businesses reach their sustainability goals by reducing paper waste. Advice to CIOs: When you’re introducing new tech, focus on the middle http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/Advice-to-CIOs-When-youre-introducing-new-tech-focus-on-the-middle/ VentureBeat.com Sun, 19 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT When it comes to innovation and technology, it can be hard for CIOs to know exactly what groups to listen to throughout their organization. According to the CIO of a large organization, it’s important to focus on the 80 percent of people who fall right in between the innovators and early adopters and the laggards. Because those two groups that sandwich the middle group are often the hardest to please. Team Management: Think Small and Agile http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/Team-Management-Think-Small-and-Agile/ Chief Optimist Exclusive Mon, 13 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT What’s the right size team in business? Jeff Bezos likes to use the two pizza rule—if it takes more than two pizzas to feed the team, it’s too big. One big benefit to having less people is that it allows for speed and agility. But there are also other major benefits that can positively affect outcomes, including team unity. How to Turn Crowdsourced Ideas Into Innovative Results http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/How-to-Turn-Crowdsourced-Ideas-Into-Innovative-Results/ Inc.com Tue, 31 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT Crowdsourcing can turn out lots of innovative ideas, especially for the tech world. But how do you turn those ideas into valuable business ventures that drive real results? The secret is connectional intelligence, or the ability to combine knowledge, ambition and human capital and then forge connections from around the world.

For more, check out the Convergence issue of Chief Optimist here: http://bit.ly/ConvergenceCO
Tips to Go Green; Sustainability Myths Expelled http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/Tips-to-Go-Green-Sustainability-Myths-Expelled/ Xerox Blogs Thu, 26 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT The pressure is on to go green and reduce waste. What can your organization do to help improve the environment? Sustainability expert Susan McPherson has a few ideas. Seven Ideas for Security Leaders http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/Seven-Ideas-for-Security-Leaders/ CIO.com Tue, 17 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT Sometimes the smallest of changes can make the biggest improvement. From understanding your users to taking a moment to pause and think before making a decision, here are seven small, inspirational ideas that can lead to great security and leadership outcomes. Economy, Jobs and Technology Trends on CIOs’ Minds in 2015 http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/Economy-Jobs-and-Technology-Trends-on-CIOs-Minds-in-2015/ ComputerWeekly.com Wed, 11 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT Recently, several experts in economics gathered for Computer Weekly’s first CW500 Club of the year. They discussed trends, insights and what CIOs have on their minds in 2015. Among several ideas brought up, this meeting revealed one of the biggest changes will be the shift in mindset from cutting costs to winning business. What else does 2015 have in store for CIOs? What the Internet of Things Can Learn from Managed Print Services (Part 2) http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/What-the-Internet-of-Things-Can-Learn-from-Managed-Print-Services-Part-2/ Xerox Blogs Tue, 10 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT Part 1 of this blog explored the parallels between principles of the Internet of Things and established best practices of Managed Print Services. But let's take things a step further and look at what 5 lessons IoT can learn from MPS, like transforming data into guidance and using assessments to benchmark a connected environment, in part 2 of this blog. Prioritize agility in these five key areas today. http://getoptimistic.com/business-blogs/Prioritize-agility-in-these-five-key-areas-today/ Jim Joyce Tue, 18 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT You know why agility is important. Now read what Jim Joyce says are the five key areas to make it a focus in your organization. How You REALLY Foster Agility http://getoptimistic.com/business-videos/How-You-REALLY-Foster-Agility/ Adam Bryant Tue, 21 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT (0:50) - Every year, new business trends and so-called “leadership best practices” emerge. In this video, New York Times business writer Adam Bryant debunks the myths and explain how business agility is really created. The Three Types of Business Agility and When to Use Them http://getoptimistic.com/business-blogs/The-Three-Types-of-Business-Agility-and-When-to-Use-Them/ Mon, 13 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT Explore the innovation investment quadrant created by business agility expert and former director of the IBM Global Services Consulting Group Nirmal Pal. Promising Payback on CIO/CMO Collaboration http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/Promising-Payback-on-CIO-CMO-Collaboration/ Mon, 25 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT As more and more CIOs and CMOs collaborate to help their organizations stay agile and focused, the results are proving to be impactful—especially for accelerated growth. Infographic: From Anywhere to Anywhere http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/infographic-from-anywhere-to-anywhere/ Wed, 16 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT There is no doubt mobile is changing the way we work. Get the facts from this infographic. Infographic: Think you're secure? Why you may be surprised. http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/infographic-think-youre-secure/ Mon, 12 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT Even with secure firewalls, anti-virus software and strict rules and regulations in place, your organization can still face this one big threat. The Notebook Evolved http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/the-notebook-evolved/ Tue, 22 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT Evernote leveraged the smartphone and the cloud to revolutionize the human memory. Turn Your Next Interruption into an Opportunity http://getoptimistic.com/business-blogs/turn-your-next-interruption-into-an-opportunity/ Douglas R. Conant Tue, 08 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT Sometimes it can feel like your day is packed with interruptions instead of work. Just as you start to dig deep into a task a fire erupts. While it may seem like these emergencies and interruptions take us away from what we ought to be doing, the truth is, these are your work. And they can be opportunities. Read more about turning your next interruption into your newest opportunity in this Harvard Business Review blog by Douglas R. Conant. Why Failure Is Critical for Innovation http://getoptimistic.com/business-videos/why-failure-is-critical-for-innovation/ Tue, 08 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT (3:25) Steve Hoover, CEO, Xerox Palo Alto Research Center, explains why being open to failure and rewarding it are common attributes of highly innovative cultures. Ready, Willing and Agile http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/ready-willing-and-agile/ Tue, 11 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT Jim Joyce, Xerox Senior Vice President, talks about the way converging technologies are bringing new agility to the workplace, its workers and the world at large. Former Secretary of State to Deliver Keynote at Business Process Event http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/simple-at-work/ Tue, 21 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT This exciting 2-day event will feature Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. What’s Next in the Future of Work http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/whats-next-in-the-future-of-work/ Tue, 14 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT Mike Zimmer sits down with Fortune magazine to discuss what opportunities lie ahead in this constantly connected world of work. The Future of Work http://getoptimistic.com/business-videos/future-of-work/ Mon, 30 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMT (9:37) See how the workplace is changing and what’s next for organizations looking to stay ahead in this exclusive interview with Fortune magazine and Mike Zimmer, President of Large Enterprise Operations—U.S. at Xerox. The Mobile Revolution: Way Bigger Than Apps http://getoptimistic.com/business-videos/the-mobile-revolution-way-bigger-than-apps/ Sat, 28 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMT (1:07) It's easy to see how apps have changed the way we use mobile phones, but more is coming in mobile. Much more. Futurist Robert Scoble explains what the mobile revolution really means in this interview from the new Chief Optimist magazine issue. The Miracle of Little Data http://getoptimistic.com/business-videos/the-miracle-of-little-data/ Fri, 27 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMT (1:32) In this interview from the new issue of Chief Optimist magazine about convergence, futurist Shel Israel explains why the future will be less about “big data” and more about what he calls "the miracle of little data." Book Review: Between the Lines—Tapping the Potential of 21st Century Documents http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/book-review-between-the-lines/ Mon, 09 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMT How organizations are changing the way they work with documents, and how documents are changing the way organizations work. Change is Good When You Manage it Properly http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/change-is-good/ Mon, 02 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMT What it takes to undergo successful change and adopt Managed Print Services. Connecting to the Future of Work http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/connecting-to-the-future-of-work/ Thu, 14 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT What Xerox® ConnectKey® can do for business processes and security. Six Questions for RG Conlee http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/six-questions-for-rg-conlee/ Wed, 13 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT How business process outsourcing can save you time, money and improve the way you work. Infographic: Work is Not a Place Anymore http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/work-is-not-a-place-anymore/ Wed, 06 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT See what trends are moving work beyond the office walls. I Know What You’re Thinking http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/i-know-what-you-are-thinking/ Angèle Boyd Tue, 29 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT Angèle Boyd of IDC gets into the head of leaders and discusses one cost-cutting tool that’s not top-of-mind. Six Questions with a Security Expert http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/six-questions-with-a-security-expert/ Fri, 18 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT Q&A with Rick Dastin, corporate VP, about IT changes and establishing a secure work environment. Why Embracing One-of-a-Kind Ideas is Essential for Survival http://getoptimistic.com/business-videos/why-embracing-one-of-a-kind-ideas-is-essential-for-survival/ Fri, 04 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT (2:06) Doing things a little better than everyone else no longer cuts it. We live in an age where standout originality controls the game. See why cofounder of Fast Company Bill Taylor says to compete you need to redefine competition. How are companies of all sizes taking pressure off their resources? http://getoptimistic.com/business-videos/how-are-companies-of-all-sizes-taking-pressure-off-their-resources/ Fri, 04 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT (4:15) Companies large and small are looking to Managed Print Services to free up precious resources. Angèle Boyd, Group VP and General Manager of Imaging/Output Document Solutions at IDC, details what to look for in a provider. Manage People at the Speed of Change http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/manage-people-at-the-speed-of-change/ Fri, 20 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT Ann Rhoades’ guide to building a dynamic culture fit to revolutionize an industry. Big Data Takes the Guesswork Out of Hiring http://getoptimistic.com/business-blogs/big-data-takes-the-guesswork-out-of-hiring/ Teri Morse Fri, 20 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT The hiring and training process can cost companies thousands of dollars every year. And if the turnover rate is high, that cost will only be higher. By working to improve the recruiting and hiring process, you can reduce training costs and turnover rate. Read on to learn more about how you can use big data to help you hire talent that is the best fit for your organization. Why is adaptation worth executive-level attention? http://getoptimistic.com/business-videos/why-is-adaptation-worth-executive-level-attention/ Thu, 19 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT (1:35) There are more things competing for the average executive’s attention today than ever before. But the best execs recognize that adaptation is what keeps companies alive. Former founding EVP of People at JetBlue Ann Rhoades explains. How do you find employees capable of change? http://getoptimistic.com/business-videos/how-do-you-find-employees-capable-of-change/ Wed, 18 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT (1:37) They say change is never easy. But for some people, it is. Former Executive VP of People at JetBlue, Ann Rhoades, explains how to find employees who are capable of adapting at the speed of business today. Why Optimists Will Win the Future http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/why-optimists-will-win-the-future/ William C. Taylor Tue, 17 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT Four questions leaders should answer as they steer their organizations into the future. How Innovative Technology Keeps Riverside Reinventing http://getoptimistic.com/government-blogs/how-innovative-technology-keeps-riverside-reinventing/ Lea Deesing Tue, 17 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT Living and breathing innovation in a city built on growth and change. How do leaders keep change initiatives going? http://getoptimistic.com/business-videos/how-do-leaders-keep-chang-initiatives-going/ Mon, 16 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT (3:05) What do Peter Drucker, Machiavelli and Mike Tyson have in common? They all know plans to effect major change can be easily derailed. Kevin Warren, President of Xerox U.S. Client Operations, explains. Seeing the Light in a Sea of Change http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/seeing-the-light-in-a-sea-of-change/ Sun, 15 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT Why change is good and how to be good at change. An interview with Andrew Morrison. Branding at the Bedside with the Help of Partners http://getoptimistic.com/healthcare-blogs/branding-at-the-bedside-with-the-help-of-partners/ Geoffrey W. Crabtree Sun, 15 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT How one hospital is providing market-leading patient care in the midst of challenges. Three Keys to Building a Business that Embraces Change http://getoptimistic.com/business-videos/three-keys-to-building-a-business-that-embraces-change/ Sun, 15 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT (1:53) President of Xerox U.S. Client Operations Kevin Warren sees change as cause for optimism. Why is change a good? How do you harness it? And what can you do to keep adapting? Watch to find out. After the Ink Dries http://getoptimistic.com/business-articles/after-the-ink-dries/ Fri, 13 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT Why M&A means inevitable change and how you can control it.