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I wrote a post last week about the importance of continuous and conscious innovation, and the four ways we kill innovation before we ever start. There was some discussion on Facebook about the article - pointing out that Big Bang innovation was the key to major industry shifts. In followup - I wanted to explore the concept of Big Bangs versus more balanced approaches.
I'm a believer that Big Bangs are a Big Problem in business. I also believe that change is the major requirement for growth. It may sound like I'm conflicted - but I'm not. You see, there is a difference between Revolutionary and Evolutionary change and innovation. Revolutionary changes happen when we wait until we have to adapt, until our backs are against the wall and we're fighting for our survival - or we have no other option but to change. Revolutionary innovation is that big leap - that major new thing. That's really hard to find, more so today than ever before. Think about it. Very few companies who focus on Revolution - in change or innovation - are the big market successes we all recognize. I know, you can name a few. But not as many as ten years ago, right? I do believe that we are due a next big revolution - but I don't believe searching for it is the best path to sustainable growth. Why? Even with the name Rebel, I see resolution as often disruptive - and disruption rarely has a positive impact on business results.
* Big Bang changes wreak havoc with our growth. We've all been there. The signs of problems are all around us. We just ignore them and keep pushing forward, knowing things will get better. One day we wake up and see the crisis and decide to fix things quickly. We head off in a new direction or take a drastically different approach. We change too many things at once and end up disrupting everything. In the worst case, we crash and burn. At a minimum, we confuse the heck out of our customers, our employees and the market. We lose significant momentum and focus, and we wonder why the changes didn't go smoothly. It wasn't a 'change'. It was an explosion.
* Big Bang innovations are great opportunities. I'm not going to argue with that. But after twenty years in complex B2B markets, I can tell you that Big Bang Innovation is not the best goal to set for your organization. Searching for that big revolutionary innovation can mean you miss a lot of highly profitable and evolutionary opportunities for growth along the way. When we focus on Big disruptive innovations - we can end up holding an empty bag. It's wonderful to have a major new innovation come into our world. But they are few and far between. Even popular innovations like the iPhone and iPad had smaller, predecessor innovations that combined to create them. Neither were big bang innovations.
I believe that anytime we swing for the fence we run the risk of striking out, or worse. It may be a popular cultural trend to Go Big, but consistent, continual evolution usually delivers better results. Except in the occasions when you can Go Big. In those cases - I say swing big and smack it over the fence! In the meantime, continuously looking for a better way to run our business, serve our customers - that's my surefire way to grow. What do you think? Is the Big Bang the Big Growth opportunity? Is it a blend of the two? Is change an evil to be avoided at all costs?:-> Let's chat about it.
About this Author
Rebel Brown consistently challenges the status quo whether it be in her personal life, or to deliver optimum solutions and high velocity growth for her clients and readers. She combines the lessons learned from over 20 years as a global Corporate Strategy, Launch and Turnaround Expert, along with the strategic expertise, tactical savvy, leadership and motivational skills needed to get the job done.
Check out Rebel's new business book, Defy Gravity, where she shares proven strategies and tactics for growing your business even in a down economy.
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