Web 2.0 and Beyond

So, what, really is Web 2.0? I believe that the core of Web 2.0 applications, and what makes them so compelling, is that they facilitate creative collaboration. Oh sure, you have your Googles, which are more about aggregating information and making it usable, but the Web 2.0 applications getting the most face-time are the creative collaboration tools.

OK, so we're not really using them to collaborate just yet. Really we're just using them to share, but this will change. We already have online tools, like Realm Crafter that allow users to build MMORPGs without having to be a programmer. And Second Life allows us to lead alternative lives online. It's only a matter of time before these tools are used collaboratively to build richer and more robust worlds/applications/solutions/games than can be built by one mind.

So, if we're going to make the most of these collaborative web applications like Instructables, Wikipedia, bix.com and the myriad of other applications popping up, let's get better at being creative, and sharing that creativity.

Every day you use creativity. Sometimes you recognize it, sometimes not. Open your eyes and look around you. See it when it emerges. Practice it, and nurture it in yourself and and others. Don't let it be squashed. We need more creativity, more imagination in our day-to-day world. It's the only thing that is going to take us to the new levels we strive for.

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.

The Innovation Worker

Innovation will be more important for growth than organic expansion in the years ahead. I read this recently and there is a deep truth to this statement. Substantial growth will come from change: to markets, to the way we do business, to the way we service customers.

Work traditionally done by the "knowledge worker" is shifting to the BRIC countries. Now demand is for the "innovation worker"--people with creative, design and innovation skills. The demand for skills is shifting from technical, hands-on skills to innovative thinking and creative skills. And by creative, I don’t mean drawing or painting. Creativity flows through everything we do. We exhibit creativity constantly in our day-to-day lives. Just because you can’t draw or paint or write the great America novel, don’t think you’re not creative.

Game changing creativity in business comes from an understanding of a business issue, a vision of a solution (even a hazy one) and a knowledge of the technologies, processes, and methodologies to get it done. Is the end crystal clear before you begin? Of course not. But don’t let that stop you. Get in the game and start figuring out when, where and how to innovate. You stand to gain a lot, and odds are you’ll have fun while you’re at it.