“How do I know what I think, until I see what I say?” – E.M. Forster.
In a crowded, saturated market of same-same, “innovation” is the most important topic to focus on for many small businesses. The above idea, it turns out, may lie at the heart of what it means to innovate.
Why?
Well, there are two ways of operating in a business, or any relationship. One is to plan, ponder, plan some more, create “specs” and then build something.
The other is to leap first, then look – or “see what I say…” as per the opening quote. This is called prototype thinking.
But not so fast… to be able to innovate, we need to be willing to express just this current moment. To know that this expression is just an approximation. It’s an understanding that this isn’t the final word. It must change again.
Is this blog post the last thing I’ll ever write? Is it my life’s work?
Of course not. It’s a snapshot of today’s assertions. It is an innovation over yesterday.
We find our points of view, our methods, our ways of operating and our ideas through this expression.
If you wait until your plan is complete before you open your mouth, it’s not only the same as everybody else, it’s also yesterday’s news.
Let go of judgement, speak up now, start before you’re ready – it’s not your final word.
