Innovation with A Capital “I”

One of the ultimate innovators of our time. Steve Jobs, changed the face of the technological world by passionately chasing his dreams, and even in the face of adversity, he remained in firm pursuit of his vision.

Renowned for bringing digital technology to the man on the street, Jobs’ initial breakthrough ensued from recognizing that computers could surpass their original function as processing machines to become, in contrast, a source of creativity, enjoyment and desire. Many groundbreaking achievements followed, as this intuitive mastermind captured the imagination of millions. Through his tireless pursuit of perfection, he didn’t just set new standards for his peers; he overhauled the entire ball game.

Steve knew that the secret to breaking new ground lies outside one’s normal frame of reference. He was controversially quoted out of context saying, “Great artists steal”. Contrary to it’s surface implication, the statement actually aims to imply that great innovators have the ability to connect things across boundaries of fields that are in effect unrelated.

Carmine Gallo provides the following example in The Innovation Secrets of Steve Jobs: “Steve Jobs makes so many associations that Apple continues to innovate in every aspect of its computer designs, right down to the power cord. The AC adapter that plugs an Apple laptop into a wall socket is called MagSafe; it’s a magnet that connects the computer to the power cord. MagSafe is intended to prevent that dreaded scenario (where the computer topples to the floor due to someone tripping over the cord) by easily and safely disconnecting the computer from the cord. …Apple made an “association” between two basically unrelated things, rice cookers and computers. For years, Japanese rice had been built with magnetic latches for the sole reason of preventing a spill. It wasn’t a new idea. Innovation occurred because Apple made an association that none of its competitors had considered”.

He was as fond of experimenting as he was of applying the experiences he liked to his work. He had wanted the Apple II to echo the silent, peaceful state experienced during meditation and therefore aimed to make it fan less. A designer was brought in to design the power supply accordingly and the innovation also led to a significantly slimmer computer.

In true innovator’s fashion, he asked the right questions. “Apple’s iPad might never have been created had it not been for Steve Jobs asking effective questions,” Gallo recounts. “If he had asked his team, ‘How can we build a better e-book reader for the iPhone?’ a new device would never have entered the conversation. Instead, he asked, ‘Why isn’t there a middle category of device, in between a laptop and smartphone?’. ‘What if we built one?’ Questions that begin with ‘How’ are more likely to lead to small improvements. The ‘Why’ and ‘What if’ questions lead to more explosive answers.”

The legendary jobs declared that “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower”. The fact that you’re reading this tells me you’re siding with leaders, so best make time in your heavy schedule to learn some new things, step outside of your normal routine, and probe the status quo until you’re satisfied that it’s the best it can be.

“The only way to come up with something new – something world-changing – is to think outside of the constraints everyone else has. You have to think outside of the artificial limits everyone has already set”.  

Steve Wozniak