When we’re in the throws of innovating, it’s easy to get so excited about whatever frontiers we’re pushing and new possibilities we’re creating that we lose sight of what innovation is ultimately about:
→ creating new or better ways of doing valued things that address real needs for those we seek to serve.
Creating something new is exciting and we tend to get swept up in the cool new or better thing we made possible and forget who it’s for: that we pushed the frontiers and created possibilities for a specific someone with a real need.
If that new frontier or possibility doesn’t create value for them that they can understand, then you’re not innovating: you’re merely inventing.
As you push into new frontiers and create new possibilities, don’t lose sight of who you are innovating for and how your trailblazing creates value for them.
Stay tethered to who you are innovating for. Talk to them and listen to what they have to say, or at least put yourself in their shoes and practice empathy.
For who you are innovating for, get clear about:
- How is this new creation or frontier serving them and making their lives better?
- How will this change their behaviour? What action will this lead them to take in their lives that will be different?
- Why should they care? Why would this make sense to them?
- What possibility does this unlock for them that matters to them? What value does this create for them?
- How are you making things better for them in ways they will notice and feel on a regular basis?
As you innovate, build the habit of regularly checking in with who you are innovating for and make sure you are innovating and not merely inventing.
