Everyone loves an innovator…from a distance. Most of us don’t appreciate it when innovators, people who introduce the new, mess with our department, non-profit, or lifestyle. Nevertheless, organizations and individuals alike are realizing the need to adopt an innovative mindset to overcome inertia, solve problems and succeed in an ever more complex world.
How can each of us become innovators in our world and get ahead of the curve?
Here’s how you can recognize when and where innovation comes from:
1. Tension Points. Usually new things are created to solve problems. Look at the points of tension in your life and work and start to think creatively.
2. Need to Simplify. Tough economies force cutbacks, but they also result in innovations that improve the future if you look for them. Don’t just simplify, look for new ways to achieve a better result with less.
3. Technology. These days tools are driving change, giving us the ability to do more. Don’t just ride the trends, use technology to create new ways of living and working. Maximize the tools benefit.
4. Failure. Sometimes we just don’t get it right. Use this as an opportunity to do something new or do to the job in a new way.
5. Lack of Resources. Lack is tough, but it also gives rise to the new for those who are pressing for creative ways to achieve their goal.
6. Teamwork. Working together brings about creative ideas and new processes because we are hearing the voices of those who are seeing it from a different perspective.
Most of these sources of innovation are problematic circumstances that give rise to something good. This challenges us to think again about the problems we curse, instead needing to embrace them as potential forces for good.
What are the challenges you are facing that could bring about a new, innovative way of doing, acting, responding, serving and loving?
David Curry
