Innovation. It simply means to do something new. You know, in a way that is different than other ways. Innovation is not essentially a criticism of other ways. It is merely another way. But it is, by definition, unconventional. Innovation defies convention, and that very defiance is a threat to the status quo.
Pressures to conform to the crowd surround us. Crowd behavior is synonymous with popularity. Outstanding choices stand out, often uncomfortably for everyone involved. Innovation is always unpopular—at first.
But then, slowly, innovation catches on. Early adopters join the innovators, adding their personal energy and professional refinements along the way. As more people join, the innovation becomes a movement. What was once marginal becomes popular. Over time a new crowd is defined, and what was once an innovation is now the status quo for this new crowd.
Then, often, another innovation surfaces. Renewal begins, and is usually resisted.
For some, change is an enemy to vanquish. But for me, renewal is worth the effort.
