Context for Innovation
The affairs of the world can be seen as those that 'I knew about or I don't' , and as those that are 'known at large or unknown'. Putting these two dimensions together, we can divide our world affairs into four categories:
* I know what is known out there,* I don't know what is known out there,
* I know what is unknown out there, and
* I don't know what is unknown out there.
Each of these categories has its own set of problems that demands its own set of solutions - Innovations that give us our breakthroughs, generated by methods that are most efficient in that category.
Thus, the first thing to ask is never the question of 'How do we get these innovations?' but 'Which part of the world we are operating in?'.
The Frustrations of Not Getting there
Let me share with you a story.
Some years back, while having tea, a friend of mine lamented: 'Anthony, I wished I had the skills and tools of Merlin!'
Surprised by outburst, I asked: 'Why do you say that?'
'Well, you know that whatever we do now, we do it for the future. However, 9 months into the programme, something just had to happen that caused us so many adjustments and alterations that many stuffs went into the scrap pile. This happened so often, and it pains me to see great ideas died and people leave,' he replied.
'So, what are you going to do about it?' I looked at him with interest.
'I am going to set up a small office and hire the best to create the best scenerios about the future. I can't afford to lose. What you think?' He forced all these out in one single breathe.
'I am not sure. Let's try this. Instead of asking 'How could I see the future better?', you may want to consider 'What kind of world am I operating in, and what kind of world am I dealing with?'
I went on the explained how the affairs of the world can be divided up, and suddenly he shouted: 'I got it! I know why I am frustrated time and again!'
'Tell me!', I said encouragingly.
'I am using methods from the world of 'I know what is known out there' to create solutions that are meant for a world that 'I don't know what is unknown out there'. Of course I was frustrated! It is like walking through the forest in he night using my eyes. My eyes are useless because the world has changed,' which was his came back line.
I added: 'Your fustrations began the moment you use the methodologies and tools from the known world to create strategies, tactics and instructions for worlds that are less known. You have already set yourself up for failure even before the programme began.'
The True Nature of Innovation
'So, are you saying that I am not creating innovations that led to my company's breakthroughs?', he retorted.
I explained: 'No. Indeed, you are creating innovations. These are deemed innovative in your current world - the world of 'I know what is known out there', but they can't give you your breakthroughs in the world you are dealing with. This is the distinction.
He looked at me and said: 'I see. My goodness. Isn't this very scary?'
'Yes, This is the true nature of Innovation,' I replied.
He asked: 'What should I do?'
'I am conducting the 'The True Nature of Innovation' Workshop next week. Come and be a participant. You know you will get some answers to that question,' I concluded, and went on to apply butter on my favourite scorn.
Copyright 2007, Anthony Mok. All rights reserved
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