There seems to be trend developing in the general media. Apparently, there is a lack of understanding about innovation—what it is, how it happens, and its potential impact. In two unrelated blog posts today, the gauntlet has been thrown out.
First let me point you to Bruce Nussbaum’s blog where he states that folks at the New York Times don’t get it. Bruce makes this assertion based on an article that appears in the Times about process innovation. The problem, as Bruce puts it, isn’t the article, but the fact that such articles are so rare.
I couldn’t agree more with Bruce. The coverage in the media on innovation helps perpetuate the myths of innovation and fails to shine much light on what organizations really need to do to excel. Look at the amount of ink (much of it virtual) that was used in covering the introduction of the iPhone. Let’s face it. The iPhone isn’t really all that innovative. (Sorry, Steve. Well marketed yes; innovative no.) Yet, the iPhone’s introduction dominated the innovation press for months.
Meanwhile, the serious work that many organizations are putting into developing their innovation competence goes unheralded. Why? Because it is not very exciting, and it doesn’t sell papers (or whatever type of media is being pushed).
Over on 3D Mojo, Alex Neihaus writes about an article that appeared in Boston Globe Magazine. According to Alex, the article focuses on a few entrepreneurs implying that their personal narcissism is what is needed to overcome the challenges of building a business. Alex takes exception to this view because he feels that success requires building a cohesive team.
In my own experience, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. It does take a team to grow the business successfully. But, it also takes the personal vision and commitment of a core set of people (which could be one) to keep the team focused and moving ruthlessly toward success.
For those of us in the innovation game, the viewpoints expressed by the press may be unsatisfying, but they are also not relevant. Let’s not forget: innovation is about figuring out how to get where others can’t even imagine going. Is it any surprise that the media can’t understand it?
Keep true to your innovation vision. Build innovation as a core competence in your organization and create sustainable competitive advantage through your innovation efforts, and before you know it, you will be where all your competitors wished they had thought to go.
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