Jolt #1 - Embrace Inovation as a Verb, not a Noun

Embrace innovation as a verb-- being innovative, thinking innovatively, and acting innovatively. Read on and "Jolt" your mindset with these tips from the innovation experts, VCI.

17 Oct, 2022
Jolt #1 - Embrace Inovation as a Verb, not a Noun

This Jolt is an excerpt from a forthcoming book by Debra R. Miller and William C. Miller of Values Centered Innovation

"Everything is a prototype... that can always be improved!"

-- Charlie Hill, Chief Technology Officer of IBM Design

Defining innovation as a noun makes it static as if it were only “this” or “that.” It creates a shallow understanding in which only a select few get to innovate, and even fewer get credit for innovating.

Embracing innovation as a VERB makes it dynamic, continually in process, interconnected and fluid— never static. 

Being innovative, thinking innovatively, and acting innovatively all describe the ways in which every person can play in this ever-evolving, dynamic flow of innovating.

While innovation as a noun can be a signpost to lead your way, innovation as a verb provides the energy, enthusiasm, and authentic action to get you there.

In those awe-inspiring moments when you let go of the burden of defining and defending a fixed definition of innovation, you expand to a more alive, deeper, and wiser place. From that place, everyone can participate in the process, whether or not they participate in the end product.

To break through the busy-ness of daily work with vibrant, innovative solutions, the first step is a change of mindset.

 Now it's your turn! Try on this Mindset Jolt in your own life and work using the Conscious Innovator® process:

  • Become aware - What is 1 new awareness you have about yourself, others, and your situation?
  • Identify your capability - What is 1 personal value and 1 strength you can draw from and put into practice?
  • Take versatile action - What is 1 action you can take to apply your awareness and capability in ways you have not thought of before?

Try our 1-hour free mini-courses to supercharge your innovation capabilities!

Browse innovation training from Values Centered Innovation

Picture of Debra and William Miller

Debra and William Miller

Guest Authors and Founders, VCI (more)
William C. Miller is a Co-founder/Director of Values Centered Innovation. For over 35 years, he has been an internationally recognized expert on values-based corporate innovation, starting with his tenure as head of the Innovation Management program at SRI International (Stanford Research Institute). He leads VCI’s client development, consulting, and IP development. Leadership Excellence named William numerous times as among the top 30 thought-leaders worldwide on the subject of leadership. Two of William’s five innovation books – The Creative Edge and Flash of Brilliance – have been rated among the top 30 business books of the year in the USA by Executive Book Summaries. He has been a Guest Faculty member at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business and the University of Dallas. Debra R. Miller is a Co-founder/Director of Values Centered Innovation. With 40 years of combined corporate management, consulting and coaching experience, Debra is a top professional in the field of innovation who heads up VCI\'s executive coaching, co-authors VCI’s intellectual property, delivers client work, and leads IT and operations. In the early 1990s, Debra founded Masterful Mission, a business coaching organization serving executives and entrepreneurs. She helped to pioneer the now-popular concept of business coaching through her work, her public speaking, and her book Beyond Motivation: Waking up the Knowing Within. She has authored or co-authored numerous books, articles, and white papers on leadership, personal growth, innovation enablement, and human values at work. (less)

About

William C. Miller is a Co-founder/Director of Values Centered Innovation. For over 35 years, he has been an internationally recognized expert on values-based corporate innovation, starting with his tenure as head of the Innovation Management program at SRI International (Stanford Research Institute). He leads VCI’s client development, consulting, and IP development. Leadership Excellence named William numerous times as among the top 30 thought-leaders worldwide on the subject of leadership. Two of William’s five innovation books – The Creative Edge and Flash of Brilliance – have been rated among the top 30 business books of the year in the USA by Executive Book Summaries. He has been a Guest Faculty member at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business and the University of Dallas. Debra R. Miller is a Co-founder/Director of Values Centered Innovation. With 40 years of combined corporate management, consulting and coaching experience, Debra is a top professional in the field of innovation who heads up VCI\'s executive coaching, co-authors VCI’s intellectual property, delivers client work, and leads IT and operations. In the early 1990s, Debra founded Masterful Mission, a business coaching organization serving executives and entrepreneurs. She helped to pioneer the now-popular concept of business coaching through her work, her public speaking, and her book Beyond Motivation: Waking up the Knowing Within. She has authored or co-authored numerous books, articles, and white papers on leadership, personal growth, innovation enablement, and human values at work.

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