New Rules of Innovation

FC magazine is monthly must read on my list and their “expert blogs” aren’t far behind. This week, Richard Watson offers up a post on The New Rules for Innovation:

1. None of us are as smart of all of us
   ” When it comes to innovation, a collective effort is more usually the norm... innovation is largely a result of networks… Having said all this, the best way to kill a good idea is to involve a committee, so ensure that there’s someone in charge to bang heads together and, if necessary, dislodge the gridlock.
   
   
2. Pioneers get scalped
   “The theory of first mover advantage is bunk according to Nicolas Carr (author of 'Does IT Matter'), who says that when a disruptive technology arrives the real growth opportunities lie in fixing the disruption.”
   
   
3. The more you try, the luckier you get.
   ““The best way to have a good idea is to have a lot of ideas.” Innovation is partly a numbers game. Fail often and fail fast and learn from your mistakes.”
   
   
4. Don’t confuse ideas with innovation.
   “Organizations think they can be great at ideas and innovation, when generally speaking they're either good at one or the other.”
   
   
5. If you love something, give it away
   “Got a good idea? Then give it away. In my experience too many people (especially lone inventors) hide their idea from the world in the belief that someone will steal it. Someone might. But at least if you talk to people it gives you the opportunity to polish the idea by rubbing it between your brain and theirs (see rule #1).”
   
   
6. Innovation is about breaking rules, so ignore any or all of the above.

Full post here.