Here are few thoughts and tips on innovation that Luc de Brabandère gave at the occasion of his Innovation, what is it for? seminar (Philosophie et Management).
- Contrary to the widespread belief, brainstorms are more about giving sense to old ideas than discovering new ones.
- Every model is based on assumptions. Paradigms and stereotypes are more abstract models that don’t necessary come with explicit assumptions, which narrows down creativity.
- Creativity is about changing perception. Innovation is about changing things.
- Techniques for workshops:
- Choose a random organisation having nothing to do with your industry. What is the probability it takes over your business in 10 years? Explain SWOT.
- Speak about your job without using the most commonly used words to describe it.
- A paradox is when reality doesn’t follow the model. A new model must then be applied. An ambiguity is when reality can be represented by several models; it is far more common. Creativity is about building new conceptual ‘boxes’ inspired by ambiguities.
Luc de Brabandère is ‘corporate philosopher’ and director at BCG, check out his books here.
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