Monday, August 28, 2006

It's a Team Thing

“Innovators teach us that to succeed we don’t need genius as much as curiosity and determination.”

Having vision is one side of the coin. Being able to put that vision into action is equally important. Innovation is hard work. It can be fraught with setbacks, it requires skills of persuasion and the ability to get everyone aligned toward a common objective. While there may be one key visionary, innovation is a team effort, needing:
  • A passionate figurehead to carry the vision and communicate to the stakeholders
  • An architect with the imagination to see the vision and own the implementation
  • A team with the intellect to understand the greater vision and strive for the best implementation of the vision
  • Supporters; those who buy in first and help carry the message throughout an organization

Innovation springs from imagination and passion, as well as intellect and pragmatism. These qualities are best exhibited by small groups—two or three people who work well together, respect one another and understand the value of a team dynamic.

Anything can be achieved when the people are in alignment. Sure, there are always difficulties to overcome, and adaptations to be made, but when the human factors are aligned, nothing can stop your innovation train.

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