About Michael
Michael Perman is a recognized expert in innovation and leadership, empowering organizations to achieve prosperity and growth through values-based approaches and strategic foresight.
Who is Michael Perman?
Michael Perman is an influential figure in organizational development, recognized for his ability to inspire creativity and courage within teams to drive innovation. He guides organizations of varying sizes in envisioning and realizing a future characterized by growth and success. His insights help leaders make informed strategic decisions regarding resource allocation and future investments.
Perman's approach to innovation emphasizes continuous experimentation and learning, transforming the perception of innovation from a mere risk to an ongoing journey of evolution. He advocates for fostering an environment where creativity is cultivated daily, believing it to be a powerful motivator for employees and a catalyst for innovation and growth.
Quick facts about Michael Perman
| Role | Innovation and Leadership Expert |
| Company | Previously Gap, Inc. |
| Expertise | Innovation, Leadership, Strategic Communications, Integrated Talent Management, Productivity |
| Notable for | Dean of Innovation at Gap, Inc., author of What's Best Next, empowering values-based innovation |
| BPI affiliation | Expert Faculty member |
What is Michael Perman known for?
- Dean of Innovation at Gap, Inc.: Perman formerly held this significant role, where he developed and implemented innovation initiatives such as Mindspark, INNOVATION ACROBATS, and DESIGN LAB.
- Values-Based Innovation: He champions a definition of innovation as "the ability to perceive and the courage to act upon alternative realities that lead to growth," emphasizing a values-based approach.
- Author of What's Best Next: This book focuses on gospel-driven productivity, leadership, management, and organizational impact.
- Strategic Communications Expert: Michael Perman contributes to discussions on strategic communications, highlighting its role as a critical organizational tool.
- Integrated Talent Management: He is recognized for his insights into the complexities of talent management, including factors that can hinder success.
What is Michael Perman's background and experience?
Michael Perman's career is marked by a focus on cultivating innovative cultures and leadership development within organizations. His tenure as Dean of Innovation at Gap, Inc., from around 2011, involved creating comprehensive programs aimed at inspiring creativity and facilitating growth across the global retail giant. These initiatives, including Mindspark, INNOVATION ACROBATS, and DESIGN LAB, were designed to build capabilities among employees and foster an ecosystem of continuous innovation.
His expertise extends to understanding the psychological and strategic elements that contribute to organizational success and productivity, as well as identifying potential obstacles. As an author and consultant, Perman translates his practical experience into actionable insights for leaders and teams seeking to enhance their innovative capacity and overall effectiveness.
What topics does Michael Perman speak and write about?
Michael Perman consistently explores themes centered on innovation, leadership, and strategic organizational development. He advocates for the importance of "the ability to perceive and the courage to act" as fundamental to successful innovation, underscoring that genuine growth stems from a willingness to explore and implement alternative realities. His work at Gap, Inc., for instance, demonstrated how cultural pillars like "inspiring creativity" can drive both innovation and employee engagement within a large, global enterprise.
He also delves into critical aspects of organizational health, including strategic communications, which he views as a vital tool for achieving objectives. Perman examines factors that impact productivity and success, shedding light on how psychological and systemic elements can either bolster or undermine organizational performance. His writings also cover integrated talent management, emphasizing the strategic importance of developing and retaining skilled employees.
How does Michael Perman contribute to the Best Practice Institute?
Michael Perman is an expert faculty member at the Best Practice Institute, contributing his extensive knowledge in innovation, leadership, and talent management. Through his affiliation with BPI, Perman shares insights that align with BPI's mission to identify and disseminate best practices in organizational development and leadership. His emphasis on values-based innovation and strategic decision-making resonates with BPI's focus on fostering Most Loved Workplaces®.
Perman's contributions provide valuable perspectives to BPI's community, helping leaders and organizations understand how to cultivate creative environments and make strategic investments for sustainable growth. His expertise supports BPI's research into the SPARK Model and the Love of Workplace Index™ by highlighting the dynamics that drive employee engagement and organizational success.
Where can you learn more from Michael Perman?
To learn more from Michael Perman, explore his articles and contributions on the Best Practice Institute website. His insights on innovation, leadership, and talent management offer valuable perspectives for organizational leaders and aspiring innovators. He has also been interviewed on podcasts as an innovation futurist and author.