Fresh Takes on Innovation

The hamster wheel powers the paper shredder on top of the cage. This way the hamster creates his own shredded paper in his cage.

Source:tomballhatchet.com

The current economic situation is probably bringing a completely new approach concerning innovation in the future. As a historian, you may postulate that systems normally innovate when facing crisis. Times, when a fast development into a certain direction is seen as the only possibility to survive, normally bring fast and ground-breaking ideas – which in fact are highly depending on luck and the right decision under pressure.

It is said that one should never change a working system. Using the very same working system for a longer time brings additional fear of failure and a conservative ethos. Closing eyes, ears and mind to anything new and risky may, speaking of the worst possible case, cause complete “idea-blindness”. Because a system never works ceteris paribus, a complete blockade of the system in a constantly changing environment is unavoidable – unless the change is not forced from in- or outside (looking at Europe: this mechanism, indeed, made the triumph of concepts like democracy and liberalism possible!).

Speaking of economics, the free market normally makes innovation happen. Enterprises survive by adapting fast to market situations, which makes them way more flexible. If the framework stays the same or develops in a predictable way, innovation may be looked at as a relatively slow but constant process.

The current unbillable situation of the world economy has to be looked at as a chance as well. An emphasis on new ways and possibilities in innovation will give companies and hopefully even nations the possibility to establish procedures, which allow fast reactions but also long-term innovations. In times of globally linked economies, innovation culture and capacity has to be looked at on a bigger scale – the output of companies and societies on global markets is not only defined by the production of goods and services, but also by the production of – yes – ideas.

Here at BrainStore we believe that good ideas are created in unusual surroundings. During our workshops we try to encourage this by enabling our clients to step out of their everyday life and try something new. However, if you aren’t exactly looking for a particular inspiration and aren’t in current need of ideas or solutions, you might still be in search for some everyday surprises. This can be done quite easily. Why don’t you try one of the following suggestions?

1. Swop to the other side of your bed. Believe me, you and your partner will be surprised how interesting it is to wake up on the “wrong” side of the bed. It’s going to make your day!

2. Change the order of your kitchen drawers once a month you. It will take you a while to get used to the new setting. Once you start grabbing the saucepan automatically again it is time for a new arrangement!

3. Use a different deodorant. You will be reminded of the change of routine about a hundred times a day. This helps your brain setting up new neurological “highways”…

4. Change the setting of your living room furniture. A bit like the suggestions above, it includes a physical workout at the same time – never bad, always inspiring and above all, lots of fun!

5. Go flying, climbing, diving, bungee jumping… For the more courageous among you it can be extremely inspiring to try something completely new – such as a tandem paragliding jump, rock climbing, diving, a bungee jump – whatever you always wanted to do and never dared. DO IT NOW. I cannot explain the inspiring potential of my first flight and the adrenalin when I was a few hundred feet above the ground for the first time, all by myself… Tempted? Look here: http://www.chilloutparagliding.com/

General rule: Once you discover routine in your everyday life – CHANGE IT!

All here at BrainStore would just like to express their elation, happiness and satisfaction with the outcome of the election in the United States. We wish the new President a good transition and first term. Sure, there is a lot of work coming, but for someone who showed so much perseverance and patience during a long and tiring election, nothing is impossible!

And if he or his administration ever are in need of fresh ideas: We can help!