Coaching for Leaders 418: The Way to Nurture New Ideas, with Safi Bahcall
Jul 8, 2019
Join Safi Bahcall, a second-generation physicist and biotech entrepreneur, as he unpacks the secrets behind nurturing innovative ideas in organizations. He introduces the concept of 'loonshots'—neglected yet transformative ideas—and emphasizes the leader's role as a gardener, cultivating creativity with genuine curiosity. Bahcall discusses the delicate balance between 'soldiers' and 'artists' in teams and shares historical examples like Steve Jobs that illustrate the importance of supporting unconventional innovations. Discover how to bridge the gap for successful execution and innovation.
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Loonshots: Definition and Example
- A loonshot is a neglected project, often dismissed as crazy.
- Its champion is often seen as unhinged, like Dr. Seuss, whose work was initially rejected.
Goddard's Rocket: A Ridiculed Loonshot
- Robert Goddard's idea of liquid-fueled rockets was ridiculed by the New York Times.
- Decades later, they retracted their criticism after Apollo 11's successful launch.
Artists and Soldiers: Two Essential Phases
- Organizations need both artists (creatives) and soldiers (those who execute).
- This is called phase separation, like an ice cube with solid and liquid phases.
