INSTANT INNOVATION

The quip that "change is the only constant" is a really
annoying clich‚. We've been told that the rate of change is
increasing, and it's true. We experience more changes in
policy and procedures, more new tools, new ideas and new
requirements than any generation in history. Every day we
run faster and faster, just to keep from falling behind.
And it's exhausting!
The problem with the old advice to "deal with change," or
the cynical observation that we must "adapt or die" is that
they are survival strategies. They may keep us alive, but
who wants to merely survive?!
I don't want to merely endure life, or run to keep up, or
struggle to adapt, I want to dance! I want to triumph and
celebrate. I want a glorious life, filled with laughter and
joy! I don't want to merely survive; I want to thrive in a
creative environment of constant opportunity and never-
ending growth!
But how?
The solution is developing the skill of instant innovation.
Whatever life throws at us, we immediately start "playing"
with it to see how it works, to see how it can serve us,
and (more importantly) to see how we can USE it to serve
others.
A few years ago, one of the large investment banking firms
ran a television commercial that showed a small chamber
orchestra playing their stringed instruments. Suddenly, a
basketball bounced into the scene and one of the violinists
picked it up out of curiosity. He tossed it to someone
else, who bounced it to another. By the end of the
30-second commercial (think about that - in 30 SECONDS!)
the orchestra transformed into a basketball team.
THAT IS INSTANT INNOVATION!
While I respect the very smart people - consultants,
trainers and experts - who have taught us to adapt (cope)
with change as rapidly as possible, I disagree with them. I
do NOT believe that coping or adapting to change is what we
need for the 21st century. We'll never adapt quickly
enough. The model is flawed and will not meet the needs of
real people in the real world.
We need "instant innovation." We need an attitude that is
never surprised because it expects and welcomes the
unexpected. We need skills to creatively respond, or "play"
with whatever life throws at us.
Here's a brief and greatly simplified example. I've long
been fascinated by the early Antarctic explorers.
In 1911, Roald Amundsen and Robert Scott raced for the pole
over the frozen continent. Scott was an extraordinary
scientist and prepared with care and detailed planning.
Relatively speaking, Amundsen was a true adventurer. While
Scott was plotting weather and mapping routes, Amundsen
simply took off.
Eventually, they both got to the South Pole, with Amundsen
getting their first. Tragically, Scott's party perished on
the return trip, freezing to death only 11 miles from the
safety of their base camp, and part of the difference was
"preparation, foolish preparation."
While Amundsen was able to face the risks of innovation and
(rather impulsively) took off, Scott was delayed by his
planning and preparation, and eventually the cold weather
killed him.
Amundsen's faith in his ability to innovate, to over-come
and triumph not only made him first to the pole, in the
end, it save his life.
In the 21st century, "instant innovation" will build great
companies, establish movements, and lead the world. In my
opinion, "coping" with change or "adapting to new
circumstances" will be a recipe for disaster. Develop your
creativity, your confidence, and your daring. Like any
other muscle or skill, they grow stronger with use and in
this new century, they will become essential skills. Don't
"over-come." Triumph!