Innovation - is it a figure?

To develop ideas, you need to be able to look at the same information everyone else does, and then organize it into a new and different pattern,  states Michalko in Thinkertoys. A Handbook of Business Creativity for the 90s. (1991). This has two important 'to be ables'. Firstly, to look at the same information that everyone else is watching. Secondly, to have motivation to organize it in a new way. 

I'm more of the first. From childhood I've been an observer and my mind free flows to different conclusions easily. Roughly put, I'm very good at analyzing information. The latter part of innovation, on the other hand, requires motivation to structure the new pattern more profoundly, i.e. by devoting to research and overcoming your own demons of questioning what is new and different. Processing the new as usually the first conclusions are just a hint of what is about to come.

This dualism pretty much defines also the MBL program. The first half we've been observing everyone else by doing netnography, analyzing and benchmarking. During this past fall, we've been also working with creativity, innovation, clarification and planning methods and tools to come up with hundreds of ideas in the MBL Creativity Workshops given by Piritta Kantojärvi from Grape People. 

Undoubtedly, more than ever we'll need these creativity tools next spring when we're all fail-fast in structuring our ideas to something new. As if anything, innovation is a process.

The media service ideas will be pitched the 16th of December (tomorrow!) for further business planning and mock-ups.

We're Not in Kansas Anymore

It is said that repetition is the key of all learning. Yawn. People who repeat and memorize go to factory line. After climbing the ladder for 15 years, they still j u s t produce sausages from the CEO's stool. Not ranking any professions here but attitudes.

Key of all learning, whether real life or work, is testing. People who test question what they learn, produce and invent. They develop and create. At best by sharing and being open they can excel themselves. Testing alone and with a group. Testing your idea and your comfort zone. 

Being present in what you do is experiencing, which on the other hand in most cases is not easy nor nice. However, succeeding is not dependent on thick skin. In this process of testing you only have to test yourself and be able to change.

The question of originality and creativity is topical in all fields. Also MariKoo had her say on the subject over Uutisraivaaja competition. Pls check the open discussion and ideas around this competition. Surely we're able to do the same?

Ego. Scared to fall flat on your face. Then not giving 100 %. Not sticking your face out because afraid of demeaning. Afraid of not being good enough or somebody stealing your idea. Perfection and envy are the archenemies of creativity. In stead of being open to what ever you shut away.