Introduction

Welcome to Part 2 of "The Way of Innovation" - Kaihan Krippendorff, where we delve into "The Way" – a journey through the strategic elements that shape the life cycle of innovation. In this episode, we explore the transformative stages of Wood, Fire, and Earth, guided by the wisdom of Sun Tzu and the strategic insights of Kaihan Krippendorff.

Wood: Formation

Sun Tzu once emphasized the power that comes from formation, comparing it to growing wood and crafting a bow. The Wood phase of innovation demands dedication and faith, as progress may seem slow. Kaihan draws parallels with historical challenges, such as combating scurvy in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, illustrating the importance of perseverance when innovation seems still.

Discover the Three-Front Battle in this phase: convincing the organization, partners, and users. Learn about the seven tools that build resonance for your innovation, understanding that successful innovations break through resistance on a mental level.

Fire: Breakout

Once your innovation has formed its structure and attracted key supporters, it crosses the tipping point and enters the "Fire" phase. This is a chaotic yet pivotal stage, where speed, creativity, and understanding competitive behaviour are crucial. Kaihan shares principles such as postponing competitive response, shifting from strategy to tactics, and seizing the unexpected. Examples from Under Armour and Gatorade provide valuable insights into navigating this dynamic phase.

Earth: Consolidation

The journey through Fire is not complete without successful consolidation in the Earth phase. Companies that navigate Fire but fail at Earth risk losing ownership. Kaihan emphasizes the shift from a fast-paced, unorthodox movement to a more stable stance. Consolidating gains involves slowing the erosion of time and erecting new defenses, as illustrated by the example of Philips and the CD ROM.

Understand the importance of reinvention, as the cycle repeats itself. Discover how successful innovations can lock in clients, lock out competition, or lock up resources. Be wary of success, as complacency and arrogance can set in. Learn from the experiences of companies like Infosys, and follow the advice of Carlos Ghosn to avoid letting success mark the end of your story.

Join us in exploring the strategic shifts required for long-term success, as Kaihan unveils the secrets to prevent your innovation from running away and shares the final quote that ties together intuition and strategic decision-making. Tune in to unlock the wisdom that will guide your organization's creative flow.

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