Beyond the Myth of Atlantis to the Source of Real Innovation
Diving into the depths of the ocean or exploring the never-ending cosmos, humanity has always been fascinated by the what-ifs—the hidden, the unknown, and the what could be. Among these fascinations, the story of Atlantis stands out. A fabled civilization so advanced that controlling weather, pacifying volcanic eruptions, and harnessing energy from time itself seemed like child’s play. But as the legend goes, with its descent into the abyss, these incredible technologies vanished from our world. Real or not, if the people of Atlantis ever existed, they were certainly incredible innovators. The good news is that their purported powers of innovation are not an unfathomable secret.
Where do we find innovation? It’s not where you think.
In our quest for groundbreaking innovation and technological marvels, I firmly believe we do not need to scrape the past, searching for inspiration in lost treasures or ancient secrets. The capacity for transformative innovation lies not in myth but within the innate human capacity to envision, create, and transcend our limitations.
Picture the scene: a room buzzing with the brightest minds, walls plastered with whiteboards, and the air thick with the scent of dry-erase markers. This, is what many conceive as the beating heart of innovation in an organization. The collective genius. And yet, more often than not, this hive of supposed creativity churns out ideas that barely skim the surface of “interesting.”
Why do some companies seem to effortlessly rewrite the boundaries of what’s possible while others languish in a sea of mediocrity? The riddle isn’t straightforward, but history offers clues in the stories of individuals like Steve Jobs, Nikola Tesla, Leonardo da Vinci, and many others. Today, we’d label these luminaries as futurists or visionaries—the architects of ideas that have shaped our world. The takeaway here is clear: transformative insights often spark within the minds of individuals who dare to view the world through a different lens.
Of course—there’s more to the story.
Now, don’t misinterpret my words as a dismissal of teamwork, collaboration or bringing really smart people together to solve complex problems. Far from it! While it’s true that the genesis of groundbreaking concepts might originate from the solo ventures of the mind, their actualization into tangible innovations is almost always the result of a collective symphony. Consider the dynamic duo of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak—without their combined genius, Apple might have remained a simple fruit, not a titan in our pockets.
Navigating the path to innovation.
So, how do we tread this path from spark to bonfire? The recipe, though simple in words, is complex in execution:
Cultivate an Open Environment: Foster a space where any and all ideas are welcomed. Too early a filter can smother the flames of creativity. Let the ideas flow freely, and watch as the cream naturally rises to the top.
Invest Wisely yet Boldly: Allocate time and resources to nurture the promising seeds of potential. Encourage your teams to dedicate time to innovation projects. In this somewhat controlled chaos, the gems begin to reveal themselves. And as a delightful side dish, you get a team that’s not only engaged but invigorated. The smartest minds will fight to become a part of your team or company.
Capitalize on Success: When an idea truly shines, don’t shy away from embracing it wholeheartedly. This stage demands a bit of corporate bravery and a willingness to invest in the potential of an idea. Remember, fortune favors the bold, and hesitance can be your downfall in a world teeming with competition.
Yes, but ...
You might nod, thinking, “Sure, sounds straightforward enough.” But there, my fellow innovators and dreamers, lies the rub. The devil, as they say, is in the details. It is no small feat to establish a culture that breathes innovation and seamlessly integrates it into the organizational fabric. Financial pressures, ingrained corporate cultures, shareholder expectations, and resistance to change are just a few of the dragons that leaders must slay on this quest for innovation.
The linchpin in this endeavor? A visionary—a champion who not only imagines a realm of abundant possibilities but also leads the charge in making them a reality. Effective champions are a rare combination of the visionary leader combined with exceptional communication skills. You must either grow into that individual or find them!
The verdict.
The story of Atlantis, with all its allure and mystery, tantalizes us with what could have been. Yet, we do not need look to fabled tales for inspiration. The true secret to innovation doesn’t lie hidden in the ocean depths alongside Atlantis but in our willingness to imagine, to dare, and to do.
As we chart our course through the ever-evolving landscape of technology and society, let us be the torchbearers of innovation, not as a relic of the past but as a beacon for the future. And should you find a nugget of inspiration in these words, do not hesitate to share, like, or engage. The future awaits, and it’s up to us to shape it.
Let’s continue the conversation. Find me everywhere @markbennettceo, where we delve deeper into the frontiers of technology, the endless expanse of human ingenuity, and #BreakingOutOfAverage.