Innovation
Everybody wants to be known as the 'Innovator'. For many, it's better than being known as the 'Leader' - there are generally fewer strings attached and less pressure to perform in all these random areas.
But most people think that innovation is reserved for the geekiest of geeks, the eggheads with the novel, game-changing ideas, the brainiacs who shine brighter than the rest of us. I'm hoping that this post helps more people that they can also be part of the innovation equation.
I created the matrix above to include technology as an element of innovation, but also included business models and process innovations as valid ways to improve the way we work.
Each element is also divided into the status quo - what we're doing today in each of these areas, the incremental - which makes the business model, processes, and technologies incrementally better, and the novel - a whole new way of thinking about each element.
The status quo for business models, processes and technologies have taken us far, and will likely be valid for weeks/months/years to come, depending on the solution and the industry. But accept that the status quo will be passe at some point, and choose to make incremental improvements or pivot in a novel direction.
I mean no disrespect for incremental changes, which can and has sustain companies and industries for decades. Look for incremental changes not just in technology, but also in business models and process improvement.
If you're seeking a novel new direction for technology, processes or business models, listen closely to what the customers are saying or not saying so that you can shape the direction based on their needs.
Watch for the cross-overs between business processes, business models and technology innovations. Fixing and improving one may create an incremental or novel change for another.
Be open to innovations of all flavors, coming from all directions. Unless it does not align with your overall objectives, your customer needs, your operational requirements, or your core values.
Purposely push the limits innovating your internal processes and you may find new business models, or the core of an idea for a novel new technology.
It's always about the people. Find people who are smart, open, flexible and eager to do something new, make something better. Beware of people who stick with the same-old thing, no matter how brilliant and wonderful they otherwise are.
Bringing it all together takes an extraordinary amount of vision, passion, competence, patience and fortitude. This is not the task meant for the ordinary person.
Are YOU extraordinary?