Source: Fortune
Summary
Jeff DeGraff, known as the “Dean of Innovation,” argues that companies misuse the term “innovation” to describe different types of work, leading to misalignment. He suggests that leaders should focus on what norm is being broken and what new value is created, rather than asking if something is innovative. DeGraff highlights that innovation requires different approaches depending on the context, such as optimization, transformation, or experimentation. He recommends five questions to clarify innovation efforts and improve decision-making.
Our Reading
The announcement sounds familiar.
Executives talk about innovation but mean different things.
The word “innovation” is used without clarity.
Companies struggle to align around a shared definition.
Different types of innovation require different strategies.
Leaders need better language to manage innovation effectively.
Author: Evan Null
