Comments on: The battle to innovate http://binaryplex.com/2007/04/21/the-battle-to-innovate/ The often random thoughts of an Eclectic Architect, Enterprise Technologist, Coffee Addict & Social Media Junkie Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:38:54 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 By: binaryplex.com » Blog Archive » Innovation: The lone revolutionary http://binaryplex.com/2007/04/21/the-battle-to-innovate/#comment-32 binaryplex.com » Blog Archive » Innovation: The lone revolutionary Tue, 22 May 2007 00:46:34 +0000 http://binaryplex.com/2007/04/21/the-battle-to-innovate/#comment-32 [...] posted earlier about The Battle To Innovate in response to a post by Elias.   It was interesting to read on Innovation Zen about The [...] [...] posted earlier about The Battle To Innovate in response to a post by Elias.   It was interesting to read on Innovation Zen about The [...]

]]> By: Tim Bull http://binaryplex.com/2007/04/21/the-battle-to-innovate/#comment-24 Tim Bull Tue, 08 May 2007 10:02:06 +0000 http://binaryplex.com/2007/04/21/the-battle-to-innovate/#comment-24 I know, for example, most IT departments are too busy trying to keep the network running to really want or research new IT opportunities. That's why we have enterprise architects! No, seriously... there is a natural tension between Operations, Development and Architecture which should be promoted as long as it's not antogonistic. No organisation can afford to have too many people looking for the next "big thing" while the day to day languishes, but a small dose is like a little bit of salt on your food -- gives it a better flavour :-) The future is generally a more attractive place to be. I know, for example, most IT departments are too busy trying to keep the network running to really want or research new IT opportunities.

That’s why we have enterprise architects! No, seriously… there is a natural tension between Operations, Development and Architecture which should be promoted as long as it’s not antogonistic. No organisation can afford to have too many people looking for the next “big thing” while the day to day languishes, but a small dose is like a little bit of salt on your food — gives it a better flavour :-)

The future is generally a more attractive place to be.

]]> By: Chris Saad http://binaryplex.com/2007/04/21/the-battle-to-innovate/#comment-23 Chris Saad Tue, 08 May 2007 04:04:35 +0000 http://binaryplex.com/2007/04/21/the-battle-to-innovate/#comment-23 I think an internal Twitter might help :) I once heard a fantastic corporate structure proposal that I have always had at the back of my mind if a company I was involved in was ever big enough to worry about a lack of innovation. For each role, there could be two managers. A change agent and a consistency agent. The change agent would be responsible for creating change and changing the frame of reference while the consistency agent would be responsible for ensuring compatibility with legacy systems and grounding any change in reality - to keep the wheels turning so to speak. It doubles your costs, but perhaps some version of this could work. I know, for example, most IT departments are too busy trying to keep the network running to really want or research new IT opportunities. Of course, others are far more forward thinking hey Tim :) I think an internal Twitter might help :)

I once heard a fantastic corporate structure proposal that I have always had at the back of my mind if a company I was involved in was ever big enough to worry about a lack of innovation.

For each role, there could be two managers. A change agent and a consistency agent.

The change agent would be responsible for creating change and changing the frame of reference while the consistency agent would be responsible for ensuring compatibility with legacy systems and grounding any change in reality - to keep the wheels turning so to speak.

It doubles your costs, but perhaps some version of this could work.
I know, for example, most IT departments are too busy trying to keep the network running to really want or research new IT opportunities. Of course, others are far more forward thinking hey Tim :)

]]> By: Tim Bull http://binaryplex.com/2007/04/21/the-battle-to-innovate/#comment-19 Tim Bull Sat, 21 Apr 2007 10:36:28 +0000 http://binaryplex.com/2007/04/21/the-battle-to-innovate/#comment-19 Whole heartedly agree, I think you're spot on when you talk about an open platform of communication. A culture of innovation is really a culture of listening to new ideas AND sponsoring them where you have something of value to offer. Without wanting to be too facetious -- 7 months is really a very short time. You're making good progress! My lesson learnt a long time ago is that there are five things which make for successful innovation: * A solution to a real problem or business issue * The right time in the business cycle * The right sponsor who understands what you're about and connects to senior people who can "make it so" * The right business case that clearly demonstrates significant value * Vast amounts of energy Miss any one of these and you are fighting an even bigger uphill battle. Whole heartedly agree, I think you’re spot on when you talk about an open platform of communication. A culture of innovation is really a culture of listening to new ideas AND sponsoring them where you have something of value to offer.

Without wanting to be too facetious — 7 months is really a very short time. You’re making good progress! My lesson learnt a long time ago is that there are five things which make for successful innovation:

* A solution to a real problem or business issue
* The right time in the business cycle
* The right sponsor who understands what you’re about and connects to senior people who can “make it so”
* The right business case that clearly demonstrates significant value
* Vast amounts of energy

Miss any one of these and you are fighting an even bigger uphill battle.

]]> By: Elias http://binaryplex.com/2007/04/21/the-battle-to-innovate/#comment-18 Elias Sat, 21 Apr 2007 01:58:06 +0000 http://binaryplex.com/2007/04/21/the-battle-to-innovate/#comment-18 Good point, and I especially agree about the battle weary - I first had the idea in April 2006, and it wasn't until late November 2006 that it got off the ground. The battle weary are everywhere, and it's because they've become desensitised. Had I been at the firm a few more years, it might have been a different story - more responsibility, less time. But maybe something worth adding is that the young might be ignorant but they also have nothing to lose - it's that aspect that gives them the courage to push things. I think it's critical for any organisation to have an open platform of communication. Ideas are a dime a dozen, but by engaging in a firm-wide conversation, those ideas can develop to something of merit. My personal battle at the moment is to get everyone to realise that - just look at how we are discussing via blogs in a conversation right now. A conversation expanding on an idea. It's going to be an interesting year. Good point, and I especially agree about the battle weary - I first had the idea in April 2006, and it wasn’t until late November 2006 that it got off the ground. The battle weary are everywhere, and it’s because they’ve become desensitised. Had I been at the firm a few more years, it might have been a different story - more responsibility, less time. But maybe something worth adding is that the young might be ignorant but they also have nothing to lose - it’s that aspect that gives them the courage to push things.

I think it’s critical for any organisation to have an open platform of communication. Ideas are a dime a dozen, but by engaging in a firm-wide conversation, those ideas can develop to something of merit. My personal battle at the moment is to get everyone to realise that - just look at how we are discussing via blogs in a conversation right now. A conversation expanding on an idea.

It’s going to be an interesting year.

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