Post-Jobs Apple and the Modern Republican Party are Very Different Institutions, But Are They Suffering from the Same Ailments?
By Kristen Luciani | The Save Jersey Blog
For many years, the success of Apple Computers has been driven by several key factors – visionary leadership, outstanding product design, successful marketing management, and strict security measures. Since the late Steve Jobs is no longer at the helm, the popular opinion is that Tim Cook’s Apple has become an ordinary for-profit technology company, light years away from its prior status as an innovative think tank.
Consider its two latest product offerings: the iPhone 5 and the iPad 2. Both models were produced with small modifications from previous generations, saving costs while meeting customer needs. Safe design, profitable offering = smart business decision, right?
WRONG. With industry challenges threatening to oust Apple from its long-heralded iconic status and a consistently declining stock price, the company needs to get back to its innovative roots in order to recapture the hearts of their previous fan base and expand their reach to new levels.
The same can be said (and actually, it has been said, repeatedly) for the Republican party.
Let’s think in terms of product offerings for a moment. Say the Republican party is a product company. Their key offerings are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. You wouldn’t think that these product offerings would ever get old, but over time, they just become white noise, blending into the background, because there is no effective marketing or product differentiation compelling people to buy.
The interesting thing is that both political parties offer these products, but the Democrats are so much more profitable.
WHY? Here is where the importance of differentiation comes into play…
The Democrats have learned how to be successful INNOVATORS. They have a product offering (the same one that has been offered throughout time, mind you) and they have developed a clear and repeatable plan for how customers can make use of their product line. They understand their products inside and out, and have the knowledge to explain to the masses why their product is so much more effective than that of the competition and why it makes sense to buy from them. They give concrete examples of how their product offerings will yield consumers benefit. Their detailed product descriptions are very compelling and the price is just right for much of the consuming public. They also KNOW THEIR CUSTOMERS, which is absolutely key to being profitable in any industry. They appeal to the public needs and wants, and describe how their products will help the target market achieve the American dream.
A successful innovation campaign requires a number of essential components. Tell me, Save Jerseyans: in looking at the list below, exactly how many of these apply to our party and platform?
1. Compelling case and direction
2. Inspiring shared vision for the future
3. Fully aligned strategic agenda
4. Decision making model that fosters team work
5. Creatively resourced multifunctional dedicated team
6. Willingness to take risks
7. Well defined yet FLEXIBLE execution process
If you said NONE, sadly, you are correct. Do you know what is even sadder? All of these are embraced by the Democrats, and it is apparent when looking at their bottom line.
For a long time, I felt that the Republican party needed a hard reboot, to fully power down, figure out what it ideally wants to achieve, together and as individuals, identify synergies, craft a message, establish a strategic plan and then power back up and EXECUTE.
But encouragingly, there are members of the party already working to that end. Paul Ryan and Marco Rubio are two really prominent examples of Republicans who want to innovate, improve the brand image of our party and SELL, SELL, SELL. They believe in our future as a nation and they have ideas for how the party can appeal to the masses. They are, in essence, leading the reboot effort.
There is strength in unity, and a compelling and descriptive message that inspires faith and confidence in those who deliver it effectively. Together, Republicans can change the current political landscape of our country; they just need to embrace the critical success factors for innovation and incorporate them into a plan for transformational change.
