Creative Thought Leader / Author / Raconteur / Solutions Architect... I drink espresso and design disruption!
In an interview, I saved an organisation 27 million. They didn't hire me. . . . This is the story I promised you yesterday... I'd love to get your take on whether I 'added value' or was just obnoxious. A few weeks back, I was interviewed for an Innovation Specialist contract with a government organisation. I'm cautious at these meetings... I'm normally the 'wild card' they bring in to compare against, but I was assured they were interested in meeting because they were looking for 'outside the box thinking'. . . . One of the questions they asked was: 'What's your definition of innovation and how do you see the role of technology'? Good question. I gave them my definition: 'Innovation is the improvement of existing systems, process or tools. So while it's valuable to always be improving services, the end goal shouldn't be THE tool. What's more valuable is the application and thinking behind it'. . . . Three men in suits looked confused. 'Chris, could you expand on that'? 'Sure, this is something I believe in quite strongly, so let me be clear... innovation isn't delivered by the tool. A new i-Phone every year doesn't make us more innovative or creative... the phone itself isn't that much different from last years model... So it's not the tool that makes a difference, but the user. In my experience, there's more value in shifting thinking'. . . . Three men in suits look concerned. 'This contract is to oversee the adoption of a new innovative system that will re-position our network'. 'I understand that. Did you design it'? 'No, it was designed by a third-party'. 'Ok, that's fine... then it's a marketable product. What happens when your competitors buy this product also'? Three men in suits look uncomfortable. I continued... 'If I can buy an i-Phone and you can buy an i-Phone... what's going to separate our services'? I continued... 'How do you vet innovation that's sold to you? For me, there's six things that determine whether an idea, or a product or system is genuinely creative and effective. . . . 1. PROBLEM SOLVING: Does it fix something that's broken? 2. INNOVATION: Does it improve an existing system? 3. ADAPTABLE: Can I use this process anywhere else in my business? 4. COMPOSITION: Is it of elegant design, either aesthetically or as a user experience? 5. EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE: Is it ethical, legal, sustainable (and a few other things)? But most importantly... 6. ORIGINALITY: How does this distinguish you from any other competitor? . . . [Link to download this model in the comments] . . . 'This new system may address one or two of these criteria, but at a glance, I'm unsure how it can be original for you'. They thanked me for my time. Last week I followed up with the HR rep' who advised that the contract had been withdrawn, as the project was 'delayed until further notice'. This is why my mother says I 'don't play nice with others'. Was it me? Follow my content #appliedcreativity #creativity #innovation
I would say it depends of the case. I guess for this case is valid as for other could be added other factors and taken out some. However, It's not about playing nice or not but doing your job. If you think something is good or not for your clients you have to inform them about the opportunities and the Risks. The end decision ofcourse would be their but taking in to account the risk you see for example.
When the status quo ‘knows they are right’ any new thinking is automatically rejected for the purpose of self-preservation. The stronghold unconscious bias has on people is extraordinary to say the least. Leave that job behind, they are FAR from ready to listen.
Nah. It wasn't you. It was the men in suits.
This is amazing. What a story, holy hell. I’m going to take note of those 6 traits. I feel like they could also be applied to someONE who is being hired to innovate.
This is clean. Well done. Smack sense into them. Also, start charging for interviews! I'd straight up write a consulting bill and send it to them.
The story goes that once upon a time a big name company always gathered all the smart guys from across the country to vet every new product idea. The result was that they didn't introduce any new products for a long time while their competitors outstripped them. The solution was to quit having the meetings...it turns out that people are really good at finding negatives.
They may or may not ever thank you for your advice. Nevertheless, you know in your heart you did them a huge favour. It is never about playing nice. It is always about following the stirrings in your soul. Nicely played by the way.
This is a cool story! They asked and you answered. They were either intimidated or astonished. Either way, I think they took your advice (and maybe took credit for it....NOT COOL) Too bad they didn't take you with it so you could help them even more. Ah well. Better things will come along. Always be true to yourself and if they ask, you answer. Within reason, of course. :)
It was Pro Bono Consulting! Next time don't try so hard to talk yourself out of a job. Let them hire you first, ...and then fix what they broke!
Creative Thought Leader / Author / Raconteur / Solutions Architect... I drink espresso and design disruption!
2yFor those who don't know, or haven't had the time to research yet, I'm an Expert on Creativity... L&D Specialist + Board Consultant. My job is demonstrating how to practically apply #creativity to enhance how you think, feel, work and lead. ie: how you may apply optimal creative thinking + process to: - Strategy - Innovation - Complex Problem solving - Composition/Design - Original Ideas - Marketing - And a lot more... I specialise in designing 'Force Mulitplier' solutions. Initiatives that deliver exponential ROI for minimal risk or cost... You can review my work + download the Creative model here: www.cssellers.com/model