And the winner is…
Innovation! Yes, that is officially (officially, in this context, meaning something I have decided completely on my own…) the most overused, over-hyped word in 2011. And it’s going strong so far in 2012.
Don’t get me wrong – I think the core concept of trying to find new and different ways to do things is something that all organizations and leaders should continuously be seeking. But somehow, the word “innovation” now has more definitions than a room full of body builders.
Since it’s almost Super Bowl Sunday, here’s a thought.
Almost everyone would agree that the West Coast Offense, popularized by the San Francisco 49ers 20-25 years ago and still in use by many teams across the NFL, changed the way offenses operate and defenses react. It was quite the “innovation.” But at its core, it was not a huge, earth-shattering change. It didn’t involve jet packs, re-engineered helmets, designer drugs, or robots. It simply tweaked the way you got the ball in the hands of your best players, by throwing it to them in short passes rather than handing it to them. Genius, eh? Maybe. Maybe not. But it was simple, clever, new and very effective. THAT’S innovation.
(Bill Walsh, enjoying the fruits of his innovation)
In 2012, let’s ease off the gas on our expectations that everyone who is “innovating” has to be throwing all kinds of technology, money, and hype at a problem or an opportunity. Just find more ways to put the ball in the hands of your best players and see what happens…
