Photo Source: This Is Engineering
Dreaming about changing the world? Wondering what it takes to turn that fleeting thought into a tangible reality? Well, Guy Kawasaki, a wizard in the realm of innovation and a former chief evangelist of Apple, shared his perspective, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of enlightening. Ready for a deep dive into the art of turning ideas into revolutions?
Quick Bites:
- Innovation is about making meaning, not just money.
- The power of a concise, impactful mantra cannot be overstated.
- True innovation requires jumping curves, not just improving what already exists.
- The DICEE philosophy: Deep, Intelligent, Complete, Empowering, Elegant.
The Essence of True Innovation
So, what's the real deal with innovation? "It's not about filling your pockets; it's about filling gaps in the world, making a dent in the universe," Guy Kawasaki emphasizes.
Take a moment and think about the big guns—Apple, Google, eBay, YouTube. Their founding stories aren't tales of a quest for riches but of a burning desire to make life a tad bit easier, a smidge more connected, a whole lot better. And, oh, the irony! By aiming to make meaning, they ended up making millions. Go figure! But hang on, how does one go about making meaning?
"Apple envisioned a world where computing was as common as breathing. Google dreamed of an information utopia where knowledge knew no bounds," Kawasaki shares from his vast experience. It starts with a dream, a vision of a world different from our own. This pursuit of purpose, of a cause greater than oneself, is the bedrock of innovation. It's about asking, "How can I make the world a better place?" And believe it or not, the universe has a way of answering such calls.
"Now, let's get something straight. Making meaning doesn't mean you've got to solve world hunger (though kudos if you're on it!). Sometimes, it's about solving the little inconveniences, the everyday annoyances," Kawasaki notes, highlighting that every major change starts with a tiny step.
So, what's your first step going to be? Find that itch you're desperate to scratch, that problem you can't wait to solve. That's your ticket to the innovation express.
Crafting Your Innovation Mantra
Words, words, words—they're powerful, aren't they? Kawasaki suggests condensing your world-changing idea into a snappy mantra. Forget those lengthy mission statements that nobody reads. What you need is a battle cry, something that you whisper to yourself when the going gets tough, what you shout from the rooftops when you want the world to listen. "Just do it," for instance. Three words, a whole philosophy.
"Think about it. Your mantra is your north star, guiding you through the stormy seas of innovation," Kawasaki insists, urging us to find simplicity and clarity in our mission. It's simplicity personified, yet it holds within it the power to change the world. So, what's your mantra going to be? Make it punchy, make it true, make it you. But beware, crafting your mantra is no walk in the park. It requires introspection, an understanding of your core values, and, yes, a bit of soul-searching.
"It's about finding the essence of your mission and boiling it down to its purest form," Kawasaki explains, highlighting how companies like Nike with "Just do it" have mastered this art. It's not just for you. It's for your team, your customers, your community. They're not just selling shoes; they're selling a promise, a lifestyle, a dream. And that's what your mantra should do too.
Jumping Curves and Breaking Molds
Innovation isn't just about taking what exists and giving it a shiny new coat of paint. "It's about leaping to the next curve, about breaking the mold and creating something the world didn't even know it needed," Kawasaki passionately argues.
The Macintosh wasn't just a better version of what was out there; it was a whole new world. It dared to imagine personal computing as a part of everyday life, long before most could even fathom it. That's jumping curves, my friend. It's about seeing not just the next step, but the next leap.
But here's a nugget of truth—jumping curves is scary. It means venturing into the unknown, betting on a future you believe in but can't yet see. It's about having the courage to say, "What if?" and then chasing after that "what if" with all you've got. It's not for the faint-hearted, but then again, innovation never is. So, are you ready to jump curves? Are you prepared to leave the safety of the known and dive into the depths of the unknown? Because that's where true innovation lies.
Remember, every curve you jump is a chance to redefine the world. It's an opportunity to set the stage for a future that's brighter, better, and a tad bit more exciting. So, take a deep breath, muster your courage, and leap. The world is waiting on the other side, ready to be amazed.
The DICEE Philosophy
Let's get down to the nitty-gritty, shall we? Great innovations—those that stand the test of time and leave their mark on the world—are DICEE: Deep, Intelligent, Complete, Empowering, Elegant. "Take the fanning sandal, for example. A simple sandal? Nope, it's a bottle opener, a statement, a marvel of functionality. That's depth, my friends," Kawasaki highlights, showcasing the essence of innovation. But innovation isn't just about packing features into a product. It's about solving problems in smart, thoughtful ways.
"It's about creating something that, when people see it, they go, 'Aha! That's exactly what I needed,'" says Kawasaki, like the Mustang with its power but also a key that limits its speed for young drivers. Intelligence, check.
Completeness is another piece of the puzzle. It's about creating an ecosystem around your product, a world where your users feel supported and understood. From customer service that actually serves to communities that connect users, completeness is about offering a holistic experience. It's the difference between selling a product and creating an experience.
And let's not forget about empowerment and elegance. Your innovation should make people feel capable, powerful, ready to take on the world. It should enhance their lives, make them better. And elegance? That's about beauty, simplicity, a user experience that's not just functional but joyful. Think MacBook Air—sleek, powerful, a tool that doesn't just do its job but does it with grace.
What You Can Do:
Innovation isn't just about the eureka moment; it's about the journey, the iterations, and the willingness to see beyond the horizon. Guy Kawasaki's insights are not just lessons in innovation but in life itself. So, here's to making meaning, to changing the world one innovation at a time. Ready to roll the dice?
- Define What Meaningful Change Looks Like to You: Reflect on the changes you wish to see in the world. What problems are you passionate about solving?
- Craft and Refine Your Mantra: Distill your vision into a powerful, concise mantra. Make it memorable and reflective of your mission.
- Dream Big and Broad: Think beyond incremental improvements. What's the next big curve you can leap to in your field?
- Apply the DICEE Philosophy: Evaluate your ideas and projects through the lens of Depth, Intelligence, Completeness, Empowerment, and Elegance.
- Embrace and Learn from Feedback: Launch your ideas into the world, listen to how people respond, and be prepared to iterate based on what you learn.
The world belongs to the innovators, the dreamers, the doers. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in, make a splash, and let's change the world. Remember, the biggest risk isn't failing; it's getting too comfortable.
Questions on the Topic
Q: What's the real starting point for innovation according to Guy Kawasaki?
A: It's all about making meaning, not just money. Guy Kawasaki puts it straight: if you're aiming to change the world, chances are you'll end up making money too. But start with dollar signs in your eyes, and you might just end up with nothing. Apple, Google, eBay, YouTube – they didn't start with a profit spreadsheet; they started with a dream to democratize computing, information, commerce, and video sharing. And look where that got them.
Q: Why should my business ditch the long mission statement for a mantra instead?
A: Ever find yourself snoozing through a company's mission statement? Yeah, I feel you. Guy Kawasaki argues for something punchier, shorter: a mantra. “Healthy fast food,” anyone? It's about essence, soul, and not putting your audience to sleep. A mantra is your battle cry, not a bedtime story.
Q: How essential is jumping curves to innovation, and can you give an example?
A: Jumping curves is like switching from playing checkers to 3D chess. It's not about being 10% better but about changing the game entirely. Take the ice industry's evolution, from harvesting in frozen lakes to modern refrigeration. Those who stuck to their old ways? Left in the cold. Innovation means not just skating to where the puck is, but to where it's going to be.
Q: Can you explain the DICEE concept that Guy Kawasaki mentions?
A: Imagine your product is a superhero. It needs to be Deep (packed with features), Intelligent (solves a real problem), Complete (offers a full experience), Empowering (makes users better), and Elegant (user-friendly). Like a Reef sandal that opens your beer – now, isn't that just brilliantly empowering and elegantly simple?
Q: How does "Don't worry, be crappy" work when it comes to innovation?
A: It's a rallying cry to not let perfectionism strangle your innovation in its cradle. Sure, your first fridge might not be the coolest (pun intended), but if you've jumped curves and brought something new into the world, it's okay if it's a bit rough around the edges.
Q: Is polarizing people really a good thing?
A: Think about it. If everyone's lukewarm about your product, you're in the danger zone of mediocrity. But if some people love it and others hate it? You're onto something. Like TiVo – ad agencies hate it, busy TV lovers adore it. Polarization means you've struck a chord, and in the symphony of the market, that's pure gold.
Q: What's the secret to pitching according to Guy Kawasaki?
A: It's all about knowing your audience and making it snappy. Customize your intro, stick to the 10-20-30 rule (10 slides, 20 minutes, 30-point font), and whatever you do, don't let the audience grind you down. Pitching isn't just about sharing your vision; it's about making your audience see what you see, feel what you feel.
