Episode 259 - Practicing Innovation with Jeremy Utley
Jul 25, 2023
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Jeremy Utley, co-author of Ideaflow, discusses the practice of innovation and the importance of treating it as a habit. He emphasizes the need for generating multiple ideas and taking risks. The chapter also highlights the significance of speaking up and sharing unique perspectives in order to achieve successful innovation.
Innovation is not a one-time event but a continuous practice that can be nurtured and regularly practiced to navigate challenges and uncertainties in problem-solving.
To achieve successful innovation, it is crucial to generate a large volume of ideas and embrace the concept of 'first idea, worst idea,' as quality does not correlate with the arrival time of ideas.
Being obvious in innovation involves tapping into individual perspectives, experiences, and unique ways of thinking, and seeking inspiration from the world around us can lead to unexpected connections and insights.
Deep dives
Innovation is a Practice, Not an Event
Jeremy Udley, an expert on innovation, stresses that innovation is not a one-time occurrence but a continuous practice. He argues that every individual has the capacity to be innovative and solve problems effectively. Innovation is not limited to technology; it encompasses finding effective solutions in various fields like HR or finance. By treating innovation as a capacity that can be nurtured and regularly practiced, individuals and organizations can navigate the challenges and uncertainties that come with problem-solving. Innovation requires generating and testing multiple ideas, understanding that failure is a necessary part of the process. Effective problem-solving is crucial in entrepreneurship, and it involves embracing the practice of innovation and being open to exploring new possibilities.
The Importance of Generating More Ideas
Jeremy emphasizes the importance of generating a large volume of ideas to achieve successful innovation. According to research, around 2,000 ideas are needed to develop a commercially successful solution. Many individuals tend to settle for the first idea that comes to mind, believing it is the best solution. However, research shows that the quality of ideas does not correlate with their arrival time. By generating more ideas, even bad ones, individuals increase the chances of discovering unique and effective solutions to problems. Embracing the concept of 'first idea, worst idea,' individuals can overcome the fear of failure and tap into their creativity and problem-solving capabilities.
Being Obvious and Seeking Inspiration
Jeremy emphasizes the concept of being obvious in innovation and problem-solving. Being obvious involves tapping into individual perspectives, experiences, and unique ways of thinking. It is about recognizing that what may seem obvious to one person can be unexpected and valuable to others. He encourages individuals to keep a 'bug list' of problems or annoyances they encounter, which can serve as a starting point for innovative ideas. Seeking inspiration and reframing the idea generation process as a search for existing ideas rather than expecting an immaculate conception of new ideas can be a fruitful approach. Engaging with the world, talking to people, and exploring different environments can lead to unexpected connections and insights.
Innovation and God's Plan
Drawing inspiration from the book of Joshua, Jeremy highlights the importance of recognizing that innovation is a God-given ability. Innovation is not about starting from nothing, but about finding connections between existing knowledge and experiences. God appoints the boundaries of our habitation, shaping our unique perspectives and opportunities. By having a holy reverence for God and a deep understanding of His presence and guidance, individuals can navigate the challenges of innovation with faith and confidence. Instead of relying solely on resolutions, cultivating a proper reverence for God and His plans allows us to rely on His wisdom and guidance in our problem-solving endeavors.
Conclusion
Jeremy Udley emphasizes that innovation is a continuous practice and not an isolated event. It involves generating a large volume of ideas, embracing the concept of 'first idea, worst idea,' and seeking inspiration from the world around us. Innovation is a God-given ability that requires a holy reverence and reliance on His guidance. By understanding that innovation is about connecting existing knowledge and experiences, individuals can approach problem-solving with faith, creativity, and an openness to exploring new possibilities.
Innovation and ideas are at the core of entrepreneurship, right? A lot of it comes naturally to us, but what would happen if we treated these things like habits to be practiced?
Today’s guest, Jeremy Utley, likes to say that innovation is a practice, not an event. Jeremy is the co-author of Ideaflow: The Only Business Metric that Matters, a General Partner at Freespin Capital, and an Adjunct Professor at Stanford’s d.school, where he teaches classes on innovation, leadership, and transformative learning. He also hosts the Paint and Pipette Podcast where he interviews the most innovative ventures shaping the world today.
In this conversation, he breaks down the art and science of innovation so that we can become better practitioners and come up with creative solutions that redeem broken parts of the world.
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