Let’s talk about innovation. Innovation ought to be a game-changer. It out to be the insight, the idea, the new way of doing things or the amazing new tech that inverts the way we approach a problem. Positive deviance was an innovation, and it leads to more innovation. Cell phones were an innovation. Vaccines were an innovation. Capitalism, way back way back when, was an innovation.
Doing the same thing in a slightly new way is not innovation. Nor is making up new words for existing techniques.
And it’s okay if you’re not innovative. Innovation is not the answer to all problems. Innovation, in fact, can go horribly wrong. (French revolution, anyone?) If you’re doing things that are not innovative, there are other words you get to use. Research-based. Proven. Evidence-based. Play to your strengths; don’t try to fake something else.
(topic suggested by James Bon Tempo)
Just posted in response to this – detailing my experiences(in Cameroon and Vietnam) using innovation and in particular social media/web2.0 to boost fundraising for grass roots organisatons.
I hope it helps the debate. You can find it here:
http://www.ourmanincameroon.com
Thanks for responding! I think true innovation should be recognized, and incorporated.
I don’t understand the reference to the French revolution ? Can someone explain to me please ?
Thanks’ !
Melanie, perhaps I made a cultural blunder? In the US, the French revolution is seen as new idea that didn’t work out very well.