It’s Time to Innovate for Change
Isn’t it time to truly embrace innovation for the sake of meaningful change? Innovation, after all, is rooted in the idea of change. Culture is constantly evolving—each tick of the clock brings shifts that require thoughtful engagement. Yet, it’s fair to say that many institutions and organizations struggle to keep up. As Bob Dylan so aptly put it, “The times they are a-changin’.” If you need proof, look no further than your news feed, where you’ll see glimpses of an increasingly polarized world filled with “alternative facts,” “fake news,” and a growing divide in political and social discourse.
The challenge is not to simply mirror culture but to effectively engage with it. Too often, institutions talk about thinking "outside the box" but fail to translate those conversations into meaningful action. In today’s climate, we need to move beyond carving out "safe spaces" and instead create "courageous spaces," where innovation and bold thinking can flourish.
What Does It Mean to Be Innovative?
One of the most impactful books I encountered early in my career as a business entrepreneur was Peter Drucker’s *Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Practice and Principles* (1985). Drucker observed that innovation isn’t just a technical process—it’s fundamentally economic and social. At its core, innovation is intertwined with the creative spirit of humanity. It draws on the deep wells of imagination, often suppressed by the constraints of practicality and fear of the unknown.
Many organizations have attempted to embody innovation by adopting “best practices,” a term often borrowed from the corporate world. In business, “best practices” aim to maintain quality and establish benchmarks. However, there’s a misconception that adopting a practice that works well elsewhere will guarantee success in a different context. This plug-and-play approach can be limiting, particularly for organizations that may not adapt as quickly as the private sector.
In his 2011 book *Best Practices Are Stupid: How to Out-Innovate the Competition*, Stephen Shapiro argues that innovation demands a fresh approach:
“Following in the footsteps of others is the fastest way to irrelevancy. Instead, create your own path. Find new and creative ways of staying ahead of the competition. Only through repeated, rapid, and efficient change can an organization survive and thrive in today’s volatile marketplace” (p. 6).
This isn’t to say that “best practices” should be discarded altogether. On the contrary, understanding what works in a given context and why it works is essential. However, the key is to view them as starting points rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. True innovation requires contextual problem-solving—a robust approach that tailors creative strategies to unique situations.
Moving Beyond the Basics
Relying on “best practices” may help organizations maintain the status quo, but that’s not enough. The goal is to advance the mission of the organization, to have a tangible impact, and to address the challenges of the world head-on. This requires bold thinking, practical experimentation, and a willingness to take risks.
What would it look like for you and me to embrace innovation in our work? How can we engage culture, amplify our core values above the noise, and challenge ourselves and others to be agents of change? These questions demand not only reflection but action. Innovation, at its heart, is about taking risks—it’s about stepping into the unknown with conviction and creativity.
Practical Steps for Innovation
To foster innovation, we must shift from merely replicating what works elsewhere to crafting solutions that address the specific needs of our communities and organizations. This involves:
Listening Deeply: Understand the needs and aspirations of those you serve.
Taking Risks: Be willing to try new approaches, even if they might fail.
Building Partnerships: Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to broaden perspectives and resources.
Learning Continuously: Stay curious and open to new ideas, even from unexpected sources.
For those seeking inspiration, there are resources and tools available online that provide guidance for innovative problem-solving. Whether it’s in business, education, or social impact work, the call to innovate is universal. In a world marked by uncertainty, now is the time to reimagine what is possible and to act with courage and creativity.
Conclusion
We live in a time that demands innovation. Whether navigating political divisions, addressing societal inequities, or striving to create more inclusive and impactful organizations, the call to adapt and innovate is urgent. This isn’t about playing it safe; it’s about leaning into the challenges and opportunities of the moment with determination and imagination.
It’s time to innovate for change.