According to Robert Brands, there are three traits shared by innovators: they are not afraid to fail; they know people are resistant to change; and they form a fraternity of like-minded people. These three traits will also help anyone looking to advance their own career, and Robert's Rules of Innovation will certainly help not just corporations to lead the way, but the individual who aspires to something greater than previously attained. It's a blueprint for success, but it does take hard work and effort. Think of it as a career coach guide – be it for personal or corporate.
A 10-Step Program for Corporate Survival
The title is a bit of a misnomer - this is not about corporate survival, but getting the corporation to thrive. Written by Robert F. Brands with Martin J. Kleinman, Robert's Rules of Innovations utilizes (possibly unknowingly) the latest techniques from adult education to get readers to understand and retain the 10 step program: by using the acronym of "innovation" along with a pictorial symbol to represent each rule. The combination results in a powerful imagery that any type of learner can remember and more importantly, apply.
The book is divided into eight chapters, plus three appendices. One appendix explains the product development process and the other two provide examples of that process. The meat and potatoes of the 10-step program though are in Chapter two, where each step corresponds to a letter in the word 'innovation', and a clever symbol within a rounded square represents that step.
Innovation = ?
The basic rules or steps are defined below:
Inspire
No Risk, No Innovation
New Product Development
Ownership
Value Creation
Accountability
Training and Coaching
Idea Management
Observe and Measure
Net Results and Reward
Obviously, each step is meticulously explained, with reasoning and why's. Detailed diagrams and charts, when needed or useful, complement the explanation. Further reading within the book for each section is provided. Each chapter also ends with a short section entitled "think about". The book expands on the 10 steps, with real-world examples.
It is Chapter 8 – Innovation Checklist – where it all really comes alive, as well as together. Here Mr. Brand uses the checklist to take anyone through the steps to a successful conclusion, with direct guidance and information. Even better though, is that just for fun, he explores how one can make the innovation program fail – through innovation fatigue barriers (p. 167). Only a strong program can not only survive but thrive by looking at the flip side.
Use These Steps to Expand Own Career
These 10 steps though, can and should be applied to anyone looking to expand their own career. Note though, this is not for someone who just wants to stay in a cubicle 9-5, but for those who aspire to something more in their careers and life. The steps are exactly what an individual would use to find the way - by ensuring the job search is innovative and meets the needs of the product and the company (both can be considered the company) as well as the market and end consumer (the eventual employer).
Bottom Line
Robert's Rules of Innovation: A 10-Step Program for Corporate Survival by Robert Brands and Martin Kleinman uses a unique learning tool for applying the steps. This is not just a book for corporations, but for individuals who aspire to something more in their careers – a career coach guide. It is not just for surviving, but thriving.
Book courtesy of FSB Associates.
Reference:
Brands, Robert F. with Kleinman, Martin J. Robert's Rules of Innovation: A 10-Step Program for Corporate Survival. Hoboken, NJ USA: John Wiley & Sons, 2010.
Paym Bergson - Paym Bergson - freelance entrepreneur & career coach with extensive experience working in the educational/professional development ...
Join the Conversation