I started this course with the belief that not everyone had the ability to be innovate beings. I thought that some people possessed that skill while others did not. I thought that I'm way too shy to ever be an innovator and I don't really know how to be an innovator. Over the course of this semester, I learned to reshape my thinking and I have gained more confidence about being an innovator. I even surprised myself when I came up with the idea to start a hat business.
Anyone can become an innovator: This is one of the most important lessons that I have learned from this class. I learned that all it takes is for you to keep an open mind to possibilities, think outside of the box and surround yourself with people who are similar and different from you. Yes, some people are born genius and naturally great, while many others have developed the skills to become a great innovator. This was something that was a key to Clayton Christensen's Innovator's DNA, he provided the five skills for being a great innovator and it was skills that is used on a daily basis, associating, experimenting, observing, networking, and questioning. Tom and David Kelley's Creative Confidence was another get book that provided in sight on how to be a great innovator by having confidence to take risks and look at the world with a creative mindset. Reid Hoffman and Ben Casnocha's "The Start Up of You" helped me to better assess myself and think of a a plan and also to realize what my strengths are and what I have to offer a company. Alan Gregerman's "Necessity of Strangers" helped me to realize how important strangers can be and that they may be more important than your "friends." Companies have to stay innovative, or they could become a victim of the curse: When starting this class I did not realize why some of the big name companies that were once major players in their market, failed. Over the course of the semester, learning about the Incumbent's Curse, I began to realize that one innovative product will not keep you at the top and that it is instead your responsibility to always think of new ideas, products and services. Always stay ahead of the game, meaning if you have an idea, act fast don't sit on it. Always look towards the future, never stay current because the world of technology and innovation are forever changing. I also learned about the importance of being a "Blue Ocean" company and that you should not want to beat the competition, but instead create the competition. In the case of Cirue Du Soleli , they did not aim to compete with the circus the instead created a marketspace that was never seen before. You can find innovation anywhere: Innovation is everywhere, sometimes we lack open-mindedness and fail to notice it. Throughout the semester I have learned to pay close attention to details and always think with a creative mindset. I have also learned the importance of asking questions, making connections and building a network. |
"doing What I love and making profit." |