The document describes several case studies applying Speed Thinking techniques across different industries: 1) Qantas used Speed Thinking training to help 18,000 customer-facing staff improve thinking speed and decision-making, leading to better customer service rankings. 2) International service brand reduced meeting times by 25% and improved outcomes using Speed Thinking meeting rules and templates. 3) Sun Microsystems generated over 100 ideas in 2 minutes using Speed Thinking, far more than traditional brainstorming. 4) Gold'n Plump Chicken developed 9 new growth opportunities in half the usual time using Speed Thinking workshops.

1. A Range of Speed Thinking Case Studies

2. Case Study Application : Customer Service Brand : Qantas Timing : February to December 2009 Challenge : To help Qantas to become the number one, premium airline in the world. Design : - To achieve this lofty ambition, a Speed Thinking ‘Skill Bite’ was designed as an integral part of a One-Day, Exceptional Service program for 18,000 customer facing staff. Results: - Best customer service rankings since 2003. - 17% improvement in thinking speed (self-scored) among participants. - Increased confidence in decision-making in service situations - ‘ I am so pleased with this session, not only are you getting tangible results, but the word out there is really positive. People are signing up to the session before they have their lunch – a major achievement in our world’. Lisa Kavanagh, Manager, Learning and Development, Customer Experience Delivery, Qantas Airways.

3. Case Study Application : Speed Meetings Brand : International Service Brand Timing : March 2009 Challenge : To improve the efficiency and productivity of meetings. Meetings consistently occupied 50-60% (on average) manager’s time. Design : - Conducted a meeting benchmark to identify meeting speed-bumps. - Assisted the management team to create a set of new meeting rules - Redesigned a common set of meeting templates e.g. agenda - Trained all department staff in Speed Thinking. Results: - Meeting times reduced by 25% (from one hour to 45 minutes). - Better meeting outcomes and commitment to action (meetings are now owned by the attendees) - Dramatic improvement in attendance and punctuality (i.e. meetings start on time and achieve what they set out to do).

4. Case Study Application : Brainstorming Brand : Sun Microsystems Timing : May 2009 Challenge : To improve the quality and quantity of new ideas in a Brainstorming session in a shorter period of time. Design : - The group of managers worked on a real challenge using the traditional way of brainstorming vs Speed Thinking. - Used a number of Speed Thinking applications of Speed Links (i.e. the basic tool of speed thinking). Results: - 111 ideas were generated by the group in two minutes vs 8 ideas using traditional Brainstorming - Learned a new way of conducting high-energy, intensive idea sessions starting with the individual - ‘An excellent course to energize creativity’ (participant feedback).

5. Case Study Application : Development of new Growth Opportunities (in half the time) Brand : Gold’n Plump Chicken (USA) Timing : August 2009 Challenge : To create a range of big, new growth opportunities the leadership team could feed into their next 12 month strategic planning cycle Design : - Identified and presented the key ‘vital signs trends’. - Speed Thinking was applied to each of these throughout a one-day workshop. Results: - Development of nine new growth opportunities - At least three are being evaluated for inclusion in the next planning cycle - ‘ Thank you for coming half way around the world to help the Gold'n Plump managers speed think. I have noticed they are already adding your techniques to the agenda's of a few upcoming meetings. ’ Paul Helgeson, Sustainability Manager.

6. Case Study Application : Innovation and Marketing Two Day Planning Workshop Brand : McPhersons Consumer Products Timing : July 2009 Challenge : To develop a new vision for the business and a range of big new product ideas and give participants (senior managers and marketing) a new set of creative thinking tools Design : Planned and facilitated the two day workshop using a number of ‘outside in’ and ‘inside out’ speed thinking tools e.g. Mindset Box, Competitive Insight, Power of Three. Results: - New company Vision and a few key BHAG’s developed. - Expanded awareness of Competitive Space. - Created a range of breakthrough new product concepts including a Solar Powered Bar-B-Q. - Introduction of new creative and speed thinking skills and tools

7. Speed Thinking: Workshop Participant Feedback ‘ I had a great time working with you and I have since had some really positive feedback on your session – obviously John was really happy but more importantly (!!), a lot of the people I have spoken to thought your presentation was “brilliant”, “fantastic”…. They loved the simplicity, interactivity, easy tools to remember and relevant content.’ Katrina Ang Senior Marketing Manager Westfield Marketing ‘ I learnt so much in 120 seconds!!! Certainly has opened my eyes even further, having just finished the book "Blink", all about thin slicing. Definitely a learning tool (speed thinking) we should be investigating further for our sales teams here at Dell. Speed thinking aligned with the speed of Dell could be rocket fuel!!! All before 9am everyday.’ Thanks again, Christopher Johnson Dell Computers.