White-Collar Farming
SEEDS of business process innovation sprout from within the soul of individuals who are passionate about the subject. The germination might be triggered by intense frustration with an inefficient work process, a difficult situation, or by observing a recurring condition that could be improved with just a little bit of cooperation among a few, influential people.
If you happen to be the one sowing these "idea-seeds", you need to carefully consider the environmental conditions that surround you - if you expect any growth. Depending on your corporation's "culture", the soil for change may be rich and fertile, and immediately embrace your newly planted idea. However, even with the best soil conditions, there may be little moisture or sunlight through which the metamorphosis can successfully occur. That doesn't mean that your idea has no value, is of little worth, or is a waste of a zealot's time. What it does mean is that your chances of making a real difference in your particular company are dramatically reduced. The same idea in a different company could be revolutionary given the right conditions.
Think about it... Consider that corporate leadership usually changes out every few years. Also, realize that it takes some time before the new leaders are actually comfortable enough to even think about disrupting the status quo. After all, the people that selected and ushered them into their new leadership positions are often the same ones responsible for creating the perpetual, hostile atmosphere that continually stunts the growth of innovation.
and there is the rub.
Oh, you might see some corporate initiatives that present a "welcome mat" for new ideas or innovations, but when you carefully evaluate what has actually come of any of the ideas, you find that they rarely get the sponsorship - other than lipservice - for the time required to make a difference. Watch-out for corporate sponsored programs with names such as "Better-Way-Bucket", "I Have an Idea", "POWerful Performance", or "Breakthrough!"
The satisfaction you gain by sowing your seeds in another field can only be experienced by sowing your seeds in another field.
Have a nice day.
If you happen to be the one sowing these "idea-seeds", you need to carefully consider the environmental conditions that surround you - if you expect any growth. Depending on your corporation's "culture", the soil for change may be rich and fertile, and immediately embrace your newly planted idea. However, even with the best soil conditions, there may be little moisture or sunlight through which the metamorphosis can successfully occur. That doesn't mean that your idea has no value, is of little worth, or is a waste of a zealot's time. What it does mean is that your chances of making a real difference in your particular company are dramatically reduced. The same idea in a different company could be revolutionary given the right conditions.
Think about it... Consider that corporate leadership usually changes out every few years. Also, realize that it takes some time before the new leaders are actually comfortable enough to even think about disrupting the status quo. After all, the people that selected and ushered them into their new leadership positions are often the same ones responsible for creating the perpetual, hostile atmosphere that continually stunts the growth of innovation.
and there is the rub.
Oh, you might see some corporate initiatives that present a "welcome mat" for new ideas or innovations, but when you carefully evaluate what has actually come of any of the ideas, you find that they rarely get the sponsorship - other than lipservice - for the time required to make a difference. Watch-out for corporate sponsored programs with names such as "Better-Way-Bucket", "I Have an Idea", "POWerful Performance", or "Breakthrough!"
The satisfaction you gain by sowing your seeds in another field can only be experienced by sowing your seeds in another field.
Have a nice day.
posted by epiclectic at 3:05 PM
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