After my Six Sigma Black Belt and PMP certification, which happened
few years ago, I was elated to take on any challenge that the Innovation
throws at me. I held the basic premise that Innovation was a scientific
discipline and the certifications would suffice.
My perception of Innovation as a Science was developed from the
fact that logic and order are fundamental to guiding a process improvement or a
project to success. Innovation as seen through the certifications like Six
Sigma Black Belt, appear primarily about defining and applying process. However
as time passes and as you gain experience with Innovation, it makes you realize
you were wrong... You were so very wrong!!!
By defining Innovation as Art... I do not mean to view an
inefficient process flow chart, as a thing of beauty. It essentially is and
should be treated as a list of facts with an order and relationship between
them.
What I mean is… when Innovations go off track or innovative ideas
do not come then the creative, improvisational skills of the person really come
into play. It’s an essential art to adapt to changing circumstances. The art of
bringing the Innovation along with us on the improvement journey essentially helps
us to achieve what is needed.
So... Is Innovation an art that you're born with or a science that you can learn? The truth is,
it's both…
Innovation is one area which requires
both a creative and technical approach to achieve success. The two aren’t
naturally compatible and it often takes someone with an appreciation of the
nuances of each to keep the art i.e., creativity going and deliver the science
i.e. a good solution.
The key is donning the right cap to
occupy the Innovation facilitator role: to practices both art and science. One
without the other is like a car with an accelerator but no brakes. Your Innovation
may get to its destination, but you will leave a trail of accidents behind you.
So...
Do your drive your Innovation as an Art or Science?
I’m
more art inclined than Science now
What
are you? Write in comments below and let us know…
Signing
off with a quote by John Maeda: “Innovation is
born when art meets science”
