When working in an innovative organization, what tends to occur is there is usually a larger percentage of folks that innovate (manage "the what") but don't care for the logistics aspects of getting there (managing "the how"). Undoubtedly "the what" is a much more appealing thing to work on as it is where most of the credit for innovation usually lies. On the other hand, "the how" gets you there, but it's also a job that has a certain lack of appeal as it can usually be time consuming in many unrewarding ways. Being of the do both is where I usually try to be, but as all good advice-givers go I forget to take my own advice from time to time.
Toyota has made the crusade for a better "how" famous through its GM-crushing Toyota Production System, but the romanticization of logistics probably appeals to a smaller audience than the one served by the big ideas category. Big, bold ideas are entirely important because they give our society directions as to where we may possibly go. Big ideas by big people are actionable because there are a lot of littler people to make it all happen. Perhaps the key is to be as nimble as the littlest person, but, inside, bigger than the biggest people around you. Ideas plus action; action plus ideas. I think I now have an idea for today, and know what to do with it. I feel better now. Thank you.
Posted by maeda at March 13, 2006 08:21 AM