Life Conversations: Innovation

The value of an idea lies in the using it! Moreover, the best innovation does not come from a new idea; it comes when you let go of old ideologies and beliefs.

Having built my career leading innovation and transformation, I have learned a few things that have served me well.

1. Do not obsess about doing something ‘innovative’ The more you obsess, the less are the chances something new will emerge from that stress

2. Read a lot. Quantity and quality. And do not only read topics in the area you want to ‘innovate.’ For example, poetry will teach you something very familiar, so mundane, so obvious was missed by you completely about life or what a brilliant twist the poet has on that topic when presented a different lens. Not only is it creative, it is innovative, the view.

3. Look for ideas everywhere. Does not mean you will find an idea every time. But if you keep your mind open, you will see dots connecting in disparate way.

4. Take a break when you are stuck on an obsessive idea but cannot seem to make it move forward.

5. Do things you do not want to do. It teaches you to navigate tough situations in life, how you did the job you hated, and wound up better off for it in the end.

6. Think in sprints, not in marathons.

7. Write your thoughts and ideas in one place. Does not matter how you organize it, as long as you can find it easily.

8. Think minimalist. Try stripping the idea of all things fancy so the value proposition of the idea becomes the focus.

9. Find a village that speaks your language and listen to them

10. Experiment

Happy innovating folks.