Pursue Outside Interests to Promote Innovation

Pursue Outside Interests to Promote Innovation

Thag fell down while trying (for the tenth time) to balance himself on a small log. This fun, new pastime gave him a great idea! He applied the concept of falling off a rolling log to solving the problem of how to move a boulder blocking the mouth of his cave. The invention of the first wheel was almost certainly such an application of an existing concept to a new or unrelated problem. Because Thag had the ability to view his boulder problem in a new way, he could creatively solve the problem. Thag applied concepts learned in one area to another area. For this reason, cultivating interests unrelated to your job can make you a better problem-solver at work. You learn to see things from different points of view.

Innovation is one of the primary ways that companies adapt to changing circumstances. It is necessary to be flexible in order to adapt to complex, changing situations. Methods and techniques can get out of date in a short period of time. Over time, firms that survive are better at adapting to change. Extinct firms could not adapt.

Innovators rarely come up with new ideas. Instead, they convert old ideas into new ones, adapting them from one context to another. They go through a process of extending and changing the existing idea, until a new concept emerges. Cultivating various interests can lead to the application of concepts used in solving one type of problem to other, seemingly different problems. For instance, solutions such as M.B.O. (Management by Objective) were popular in the business community several years ago. Soon, M.B.O. was adapted to colleges, religious organizations, clubs and other groups that wished to accomplish goals. Likewise, concepts used to solve problems in areas unrelated to work might be applied at work.

Being saturated in a corporate culture can inhibit the creative thought process. Sometimes being immersed in a certain culture limits a person to what everyone else in that group views as possible, or acceptable, thoughts and behaviors. Perspective is gained by allowing oneself the time to reflect on a situation from various points of view. Seeing the world through the different lenses provided by various interests allows you to question previously held assumptions. Questioning established beliefs helps you to view everyday work situations differently and so leads to possible creative solutions to your company’s problems.

Use your spare time to cultivate interests unrelated to work. Play is as important for adults as it is for children. It will pay off by making you a better employee and a more creative person. It may cause a change in the way that you react to the problems you face each day. Problems really can be viewed as opportunities. Don’t allow yourself to always focus narrowly on the technical details of your job. Try to relax your focus in your spare time. Improve your ability to adapt to change.