clair075

I'm going to reach for one of those grand unifying theory type of thought experiments today, connecting what Carl Sagan said about science with what we believe to be true about innovation. Sagan had a wonderful way of explaining science.  I especially enjoy what has come to be called the " Baloney Detection " kit.  You can see the entire discussion of the Baloney Detection kit on the wonderful Brain Picking site (which you should visit regularly for its expansive look at a whole host of topics).  Sagan introduced his Baloney Detection kit to help people make decisions about science, but we can also use a lot of his nine tools to ask questions about innovation as well. Sagan's nine rules, roughly stated, are : Independent verification of "facts" - no secret knowledge, no opinions Encourage debate from all perspectives Arguments from "authorities" carry little weight.  In science there are experts but not authorities. Test multiple hypothesis rather ...

Like many other hyped and highly anticipated phenomena, innovation has reached its saturation point, becoming a constantly used concept that simply isn't delivering as much meaning and value as has been promised.  That's not to say the hype or potential impact of innovation isn't true.  It's just that, as with any other new technology or capability, the advocacy gets ahead of the reality.  There are several reasons we should stop talking about innovation, a few of which I'll share in this post.  Note that I'm not recommending we stop doing innovative stuff, or stop building innovative skills, or stop hiring innovative people, or stop taking on uncertain but interesting innovation challenges.  All of that should still go on.  But, like the folks who love Fight Club, we should learn the first rule:  nobody talks about Fight Club.  But the reasons are very different. First reason:  it's passe The first reason we should stop talking about innovat...

Hmm.  I bet the post title got your attention, but of course in this modern age of digital content we bloggers need headlines that pop through all of the noise and gain attention.  It helps, of course, that I'm of the opinion that the headline is provocative, and has, as Kissenger once said, the added benefit of being true.  Innovation, as practiced today in most corporations, is far too "easy" and commercialization is far too difficult.  What if that statement were reversed?  What if innovation was challenging and difficult, and commercialization were easy?  Let's explore, shall we? Innovation is easy, commercialization is difficult Now, let's get our language straight.  When I write that "innovation is easy" what I mean is that innovation as practiced in many corporations is rapid, inexpert and quickly converges on a simple solution.  Corporations assign teams without skills or experience, rapidly conduct "brainstorming" exercises based prima...