Some words, when overused, tend to lose meaning. In my opinion, this is especially true the stronger the word. For instance take “love,” arguably one of the more overused and watered down words in our language.
I love this song.
I love this restaurant.
I Love YOU.
The three previous statements, especially the last, are prime examples of how the word “love” is often thrown around and blurted out without really appreciating the significance and power of what “love” really is.
I mention this because I believe that innovation suffers the same attenuation. To be innovative, much like to love, doesn’t carry the weight it once did. A class in the University of Kansas Integrated Marketing Communications graduate program went as far as to ban the use of the word innovation in any writing or discussion. The overuse, which is resulted in essentially banning, causes all that innovation stands for to fail, before it even begins.
I am taking this opportunity to reflect on the root of innovation and everything that the word encompasses. Throw out the fact that many companies or individuals claim to be innovative for the sole purpose of extra/undeserved attention or help business or personal aspirations. When done the right way, being innovative is a truly amazing thing.
In his book “Leading Change,” John P. Kotter discusses why many transformation efforts fail. Although failure is often deservedly viewed as a bad thing, when it comes to innovation, I personally don’t think it is always the case. I once heard a fellow student state that, “if you aren’t failing – you aren’t being innovative.” That statement meant so much to me, I wrote it down in my journal. Fear of failure is what drives me, and a lot of others and I think it is important to understand with why innovation fails or succeeds.
Among his reasons for why transformation efforts fail, Kotter states that “not establishing a great enough sense of urgency” as a cause. Kotter continues to say, “about 75 percent of a company’s management is honestly convinced that business-as-usual is totally acceptable.” Companies are afraid to take risks, to do what it takes for positive change. They are afraid to fail and in turn, they are afraid to be innovative. It fails before it even begins.
Kotter also stated that to truly change, for it to be effective and become the norm that it sticks when “it seeps into the bloodstream of the corporate body.” I believe that his view is not only accurate in terms of corporations, but also individuals. Many talk about wanting to change, be more creative or more innovative. Some are successful at this goal a time or two. But like anything, you can’t become complacent. One must constantly aspire to improve and be willing to take risks – be willing to fail.
Those unwilling to change his or her ways are often perceived as bullheaded or even someone with a poor overall attitude. By reading, ‘The Real Reason People Won’t Change,’ by Robert Kegan and Lisa Laskow Lahey, I was able to dive deeper into what holds one back from change or self-innovation. What are some of the real reasons I myself refuse to step out of my comfort zone, or at least the reasons beyond the previously mentioned fear of failure?
Right off the bat, this article grabbed me when it stated that in reality what holds people back is ‘a kind of personal immunity to change.’ How perfect is that? Resisting personal change is similar to the body fighting an infection – like stepping out of that comfort zone would subject an individual to vulnerability. The article provided the point of view for employees and managers while giving insight. Perception on both sides isn’t always the true reality.
Employees aren’t always “reflecting opposition” if they are not receptive to change. To be specific, the article stated that “employee who’s dragging his feet on a project, for example, may have an unrecognized competing commitment to avoid the even tougher assignment–one he fears he can’t handle.” I stress fear because I think that is what it all comes back to. What holds change back? Why does innovation fail? At the end and beginning the answers to those two questions lies with fear.