Ask dumb questions, embrace mistakes — and other lessons on innovation | Dave Raggio
Dec 16, 2024
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Dave Raggio, Vice President at Intuit, shares his insights on navigating innovation within large organizations. He emphasizes the importance of asking simple questions and learning from mistakes to foster a fearless mindset. Raggio recounts his accidental journey into entrepreneurship while working on QuickBooks, detailing the challenges and lessons learned. He also discusses how collaboration and informal connections can enhance workplace innovation, suggesting creative strategies like communal boards to promote communication and idea-sharing.
Early communication and relationship-building within large organizations foster collaboration, enhancing support for new initiatives.
Encouraging open discussions and addressing concerns through 'dumb question sessions' promotes a culture of innovation and understanding.
Deep dives
The Value of Socializing Your Vision
Early and consistent communication of ideas is crucial for success within large organizations. When an entrepreneur within a company has a new concept, they should actively engage colleagues in discussions to gather support and resources. Instead of operating in isolation to avoid bureaucracy, fostering relationships through informal settings can help create a collective vision. This approach not only facilitates necessary collaboration but also strengthens organizational support as the initiative progresses.
Listening to Diverse Perspectives
Engaging with team members and listening to their insights is vital for the success of any project. Overconfidence in one's own knowledge can lead to dismissing valid concerns from others, which are often grounded in experience and institutional knowledge. Introducing open discussions, such as 'dumb question sessions,' provides a safe space for asking questions and clarifying misunderstandings that can otherwise hinder progress. This practice promotes a culture of collaboration and nurtures a more comprehensive understanding of the project's landscape.
Understanding Organizational Risks
Navigating entrepreneurial endeavors within established companies involves recognizing both personal and organizational risks. While individual ventures may impact personal finances, the reputation and trust of the organization can suffer from poor decisions, affecting many stakeholders. Thus, maintaining a thoughtful and cautious approach is paramount to ensuring the integrity of the organization's brand and products. Balancing innovation with accountability allows for safer exploration of new ideas, ultimately leading to better outcomes for both the entrepreneur and the company.
To launch new initiatives within the confines of a large corporation, you'll need to work with the system, not against it, says "intrapreneur" Dave Raggio. He shares three lessons on innovation he learned the hard way — so you don't have to. Made in partnership with Intuit. After the talk, Modupe shares one small way we can get everyone working together.