It seems everyone is talking about innovation these days and its importance to companies, organizations, and the competitiveness of our entire nation. "It's innovation that is drives our economy," is a common and reasonable refrain from business leaders, pundits, and other assorted experts. And we are led to believe that our viability and way of life in an increasingly challenging and competitive world rests on the broad shoulders or oversized brains of a limited number of exceedingly brilliant people -- individuals who have the uncommon ability to envision and create breakthrough ideas and products. And, if we follow the story, these folks are hanging out in some garage in Silicon Valley, socializing on the web, getting insight from a barrage of podcasts, listening to very loud music, drinking the latest "high tech" energy beverage, and partying with venture capitalists.
All of which would be a pretty discouraging thought for the rest of us -- if it were true. But fortunately, it's not. Sure people like Steve Jobs, the creators of YouTube, My Space and Facebook, and the top researchers at companies like Novartis, are pretty darn clever. But so are you and all the potential geniuses you work with. In fact, all of us have the ability under the right circumstances to become powerful engines of innovation in ways that really matter to our companies and organizations -- by figuring out new and better ways to deliver compelling value to the customers we choose to serve. And we can do this by simply opening our eyes and minds and being more curious about the world around us.
Take Velcro, an idea that is essential to tens of thousands of products. It was discovered by a fellow who was curious about the amazing sticking ability of burrs he encountered during a walk through the woods. Or Starbucks, which was no doubt inspired by the hip scene of ancient coffeehouses of the Middle East and 17th century English coffeehouses and taverns. And which may be losing its real groove as it substitutes its mad dash to expand for this wonderful foundation. Or curiosity about birds that inspired human flight. While it took a bit more planning than Icarus was willing to make, it wasn't beyond the reach of mere mortals. Or the notion of auctions, a business model first described by Herodotus, that likely inspired eBay and other imitators. And home pizza delivery is merely a new incarnation of a long history of home delivery that includes dairy products and seltzer water.
Marco Polo wasn't a genius, or was he? By most accounts he was simply a curious young man along for the ride -- which turned out to be a three year journey to China. But in the process he uncovered new worlds filled with new ideas that would transform the way many Westerners thought. Today we can get to China, or almost anywhere else on the planet, in less than 24 hours even with a bad connection at O'Hare. So it is safe to assume that ideas and inspiration are at all of our fingertips.
So before you lament that "geniuses" aren't hanging out at the water cooler or by the coffee pot at your office, take heart in a very different view of the world of innovation and the potential of your company or organization to prosper in the future. Because, whether you realize it or not, you are literally surrounded by geniuses and brilliant ideas and your challenge is to get off your individual and collective butts to unlock them. (And even if you're not convinced that all of your colleagues are geniuses, remember that half of them are "above average.")
In turns out that curiosity is our greatest competitive weapon and we can win as individuals, companies, and countries by being the best at it.
So challenge all of your people to, like Elvis, leave the building to explore the world around them. To look at the best practices of companies and organizations in totally different industries. To watch world-class artists and performers. To understand what people in other cultures and walks of life take for granted. To discover in nature grand schemes and the smallest details. To take random walks through museums, street fairs, and crowded city streets. To experience movies from a different vantage point.
Then challenge yourself and your colleagues to use this new insight to innovate in ways that deliver more compelling value to those you choose to serve. And if you need a little energy to get you started, grab one of the latest energy drinks on your way out the door.
And stay tuned for more details...
Dr. Alan Gregerman is the author of the lively, thought-provoking and practical new book Surrounded by Geniuses: Unlocking Brilliance in Yourself, Your Colleagues and Your Organization (Sourcebooks)-- on which this posting is based.