When you think about the classic Alice in Wonderland (or the updated sequel), what comes to mind? Talking psychedelic animals? Mad hat makers, sadistic monarchs, or imagery that might make Salvador Dali's head spin?
Unfortunately, several years back, we drank the innovation Kool-Aid. So when we see any variation of Lewis Carroll's classic tale, we perceive a great metaphor for innovation.
If you've been charged with innovating your product or service, by now you've realized how difficult it can be to plan. You may start out trying to come up with new features, but realize that the true potential is in a different category altogether. You may be trying to isolate key issues with your current product only to realize that your brand's message is all wrong. Planning is an essential way to get the most from your team, but few game-changing ideas are born of static Excel worksheets or set-in-concrete calendars.
Take Alice for example. Her family had her whole life planned out for her. She was trapped in 'the plan' her family had set for her. Not to paint her family as evil, they were just cog's in the larger machine that was Victorian England that set expectations of conformity for all citizens.
With a life that exciting, I sometimes wonder if Victorian photographs are actually taken in true color....
Are you trapped in a machine like Alice was? Are you told what needs to be innovated, how it needs to happen, and when it needs to be finished? Just like Alice, if you're looking for something truly fantastic, then you may need to leave the beaten path and pursue some rabbit trails. Some will lead nowhere. Some might lead you into some trouble. Some may be a waste of time. But never forget, some of those rabbit trails lead to Wonderland.
Oh, and if you need some help, there are some very good 'rabbit trackers' out there.
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