grit | Human-Centered Change and Innovation

GUEST POST from Dennis Stauffer

I suspect you’ve heard all your life that it’s important to be persistent, whether that’s studying hard, practicing a sport, launching a new business, or attempting some innovation. You’re told that you need to stick with it until you find success. You need to have GRIT.

But what’s so often lost in that advice is that there’s more than one way to be persistent, and which one you have can make a HUGE difference.

Type 1

The first kind of persistence is sticking with something despite setbacks. That’s the marathoner who pushes through exhaustion and pain. It’s the student who studies until they really “get” the subject matter. It’s the entrepreneur putting in long hours to pursue a dream. That kind of persistence sees a target, pushes toward it, and blocks out any distractions that keep them from pursuing it.

Type 2

The other kind of persistence is about being creative and resourceful. It’s trying more than one way to reach your goals, and sometimes adjusting those goals to fit the realities you confront. It’s the entrepreneur that pivots to a new business model because the first one isn’t working. It’s the student who changes their career plans because it better fits their personal strengths and preferences. It’s the athlete who changes their technique to improve rather than just practicing the same approach.

Type 1 versus Type 2

These are radically different—opposing—strategies, and you can be quite good at one of them and lousy at the other.

That first kind of persistence is helpful when things are predictable and the rules are clear, when you know what will work. You just need to go do it. That’s useful at times, but much of life rarely works that way.

The challenges you face are often not so clear, and one of the biggest mistakes you can make is thinking they are when they’re not. That’s the entrepreneur that falls in love with an idea and keeps pursuing it long after getting signals that it’s not really working. Thinking: if I just push a little longer. When they need to change course.

It’s called being stubborn.

Skilled innovators—and those who are most effective generally—favor that second kind of persistence. They don’t just keep plugging along. They’re willing to rethink their strategy, seek feedback and gain new insights. Instead of assuming they know what works, they strive to figure out what works.

That’s not mindless pushing, and it’s not just trying random alternatives. It’s a disciplined process you can learn. A process of innovation that reflects a mindset that values flexibility, adaptability and resourcefulness, more than raw determination.

Which kind of persistence do you believe in? Which do you use?

Here is the video version of this post for all of you:

Image Credit: Pexels

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Traits of Top Leaders

The Innovator's Mindset

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

In the rapidly evolving landscape of business and technology, innovation is the lifeblood that sustains competitive advantage. However, innovation doesn’t emerge in a vacuum. It is the product of an intricate tapestry woven with creativity, resilience, and leadership. As someone who has spent years deciphering the cognitive processes behind breakthrough ideas, I’ve observed specific traits that set apart top innovators. In this article, I’ll explore these key traits and illustrate them with real-world case studies.

Embracing Ambiguity

Top innovators are comfortable operating in uncertainty. They approach ambiguity not as a hurdle but as an opportunity to explore uncharted territories. This trait allows them to remain flexible and adaptable, pivoting strategies when necessary without losing sight of their ultimate goals.

Case Study: Steve Jobs at Apple

One of the quintessential examples of embracing ambiguity is Steve Jobs. When Jobs returned to Apple in the late 1990s, the company was struggling. He faced the ambiguity of reinvigorating a potentially sinking ship. Instead of following the conventional path, Jobs focused on a daring vision: creating innovative products that often seemed impractical at the time. His approach with products like the iPod and later the iPhone revolutionized markets and established Apple as a leader in innovation. Jobs embraced ambiguity, pushing the boundaries of what personal electronics could be, and trusted that consumers would follow.

Curiosity and Continuous Learning

Curiosity is a fundamental driving force for innovation. Top leaders never stop asking questions or seeking new information. They understand that the path to innovation is paved with insights gathered from diverse fields and industries.

Case Study: Elon Musk and SpaceX

Elon Musk’s journey with SpaceX exemplifies the power of curiosity and learning. Musk entered the aerospace industry with no formal background, yet he educated himself by reading widely about rocket science. His curiosity did not stop at merely understanding concepts; he challenged established norms and practices. This mindset not only helped him create SpaceX but also brought innovations like the Falcon Heavy and the concept of reusable rockets. Musk’s ability to continuously learn and adapt in an industry dominated by veterans encouraged a new era of space exploration.

Empathy and Consumer Insight

Empathetic leaders understand the importance of connecting with consumers on a deeper level. They prioritize consumer insights, which helps in designing products and solutions that truly resonate with the end-user.

These leaders engage with their audience, listen to feedback, and observe behaviors to unveil hidden needs and desires. This consumer-centric approach not only drives successful product development but also fosters brand loyalty.

Resilience and Grit

Innovation is a turbulent ride with more valleys than peaks. Resilient innovators are not deterred by failure; they view it as a vital component of the learning process. They display grit by persisting in the face of challenges and maintaining their vision despite setbacks.

Consider Thomas Edison, who famously remarked, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” It is this tenacity that allowed Edison to eventually succeed with the light bulb after numerous trials. Resilient leaders recognize that each failure brings them closer to the solution and continuous improvement.

Collaboration and Building Diverse Teams

While many view innovation as a solitary pursuit, it is enhanced in a collaborative environment. Top innovator leaders build diverse teams, drawing on varied experiences and perspectives to fuel creativity. Collaboration enhances problem-solving and leads to more robust, innovative solutions.

A notable example is the development of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which involved collaboration between teams across multiple countries. With inputs from diverse global teams, Boeing could create a cutting-edge aircraft that emphasized fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.

Conclusion

The traits of an innovator’s mindset are not inherent but can be cultivated through intentional practice and dedication. Leaders who foster these characteristics will be better equipped to navigate the complexities of today’s business landscape and emerge as pioneers in their fields. As innovation leaders, it is our responsibility to instill these values within our teams and organizations, ensuring a legacy of creativity and progress for future generations.

Extra Extra: Futurology is not fortune telling. Futurists use a scientific approach to create their deliverables, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to engage in futurology themselves.

Image credit: Pixabay