Sign up for afaqs! Newsletters
There is something utterly fascinating about old civilizations. They represent colossal triumphs of human thought, in eras where muscle ruled over the mind. And yet within the confines of such adrenaline infused surroundings, small pockets of cerebral hope tantalizingly blossomed. All because the citizenry within, began to explore interesting possibilities.
As the modern business world, grapples with the challenges of innovation, it would stimulating to revisit these old intellectual adventures of past. Because only when new age think tank leaders, start to ape their archaeological counterparts, and begin to dig really deep for inspiration; that the expedition to great innovation destinations, really commences in any organization.
The need for a more conducive climate
The innovation voyage through human history begins with a point of geographical commonality. What was interesting about the location of most ancient civilizations was their proximity to the equator. This implied warmth and favorable weather conditions that ensured food, water and a generally sunny disposition. This ‘tropical bias’ of sorts led to the nurturing of agriculture, which enabled people to think about things other than survival. Communities were forged, cities were built, and the word civilization itself began to assume meaning.
Even in present times, any quest for innovation can only begin, when serious attention is paid to the internal climate within the organization. Ideas, however radical, deserve the ‘warmth’ of a patient hearing. The mere adoption of a ‘chilly’ mentality, to anything that sounds new, is a surefire method to shut down the minds of employees. Then interesting concepts need to be irrigated with a ‘shower’ of resources. A spirit of ‘equability’ needs to be developed for employees pursuing independent projects, which don’t seem of immediate relevance. It is only when the weather within the organization acts as a catalyst, that it can harvest a rich innovation yield.
The opening up of communication channels
Ridley Scott’s Gladiator notwithstanding, the Roman Empire had a lot of things to Crowe about. It gave humanity the alphabet, the exquisite phonetic reverb of Latin, contributed immensely to the modern day justice system and much more. Perhaps most importantly for an empire that spanned three continents, its legendary building capabilities, brilliantly manifested in the creation of a wonderful network of roads. These not only made governance of distant territories far more convenient, but also facilitated the easy exchange of both goods and ideas.
The relevant parallel to large conglomerates today is striking. Many in the pursuit of innovation; tend to operate as a collection of independent silos. Frequently departments, function largely in ignorance of what their counterparts, a mere floor below are doing. And this ‘absence of communication’ is certainly one of the great creativity killers. In fact the creative journey is significantly enhanced, when information flows freely within the organization. The influence of an inter-departmental or an inter-divisional perspective on fledgling ideas; gives wings to its prospects. Creativity is always more likely to blossom amidst banter, than in cold isolated silence. Eventually it is worthwhile noting that everyone would do, as the ‘Romans’ did, if they knew what they were up to.
The celebration of the random influence
Greece has often been called the cradle of western civilization-for good reason. From science to philosophy, architecture to the Olympics; the Greek influence is rampant in modern day thinking. However one seemingly peculiar initiative, which was believed to have accelerated the rise of Athens, as a cerebral powerhouse many moons ago, was the creation of public wells. In his wonderful book ‘The Hothouse Effect’, Barton Kunstler describes how Peisistratos-the Athenian leader then, wisely inferred that this otherwise mundane ritual of drawing water, just by bringing people to a common point, might through mere serendipitous conversation, also refresh the many minds involved.
Today, as companies grow larger and faces appear increasingly less familiar, there seems to be a need to recreate these opportunities for chance encounters. Having cross-departmental meetings perhaps does not capture the true spirit of this. For it to be truly effective, this idea can never be forced. The engagement needs to be far more informal and agenda-less. Initiatives such as promoting sporting teams, book or movie clubs within the company, might make for more evocative interaction. Even having subtle cues in the company elevator, which serve as conversation starters, could go a long way in the process of bringing up new ideas.
The test of endurance
If one thinks Egypt is worth a separate paper by itself; that is entirely its own fault. Asides paper and ink, the ancient Egyptians also gave the world societal and governmental institutions; and that subject students’ dread-geometry. But there was one contribution they made, which literally towered over the rest-the Pyramids. Engineering marvels. Humongous human feats! These are proud citadels that will preserve their past glory, perhaps for eternity.
The ‘pyramid paradigm’ informs the white collar world on many fronts. Firstly the need to build visible symbols for the organization, at both an internal as well as an external level. It also provokes the need for systematic precision and seamless cohesion, in all large scale endeavors. But perhaps most fascinatingly, it enlightens present day strategists, about the need to truly think long term, when it comes to evaluating their ideas. Much too often these days, what passes off as innovations, are mere ephemeral tactical efforts. And while the duration for which the pyramids have been around, do present an extremely stiff benchmark; nurturing concepts with greater lifespans, might ensure the company scales the market pyramid.
The decision to exclude something
The Indus Valley civilization has laid down many of the intellectual roots of Indian culture. The cities of Mohenjo Daro and Harappa; were staggering examples of human ingenuity in almost every facet of their design. From houses being oriented to exploit the breeze, to a drainage system which would have put many current municipalities to shame, these cities were far ahead of their time. While a lot more needs to be deciphered about this ancient society, what is truly inspirational was that it seemed to be a peaceful one. By most accounts, no traces of weapons have been found at these sites. In choosing to omit violence and conquest from their dialogue, the Indus civilization has set a rousing example for humanity itself.
Today many innovation stories fall flat, because of the insane urge to keep on adding things. Mies van der Rohe had once famously said, ‘less is more’. And this is an extremely useful thought, especially when it comes to the business of creativity. It is amazing how organizations become suddenly more creative, when the management decides to shed bureaucracy and control at the gate. Engineering and R&D teams, find their thinking excitingly stimulated, when they develop the attitude of introspecting about the features, they could leave out of a new device. Cricket itself has progressed, by a continuous experimentation with possibilities presented by limiting time. Eventually excluding something, might just be the boundary clearing stroke of insight, in a company’s innovation innings.
To conclude the language of creativity and innovation is elusive, and we have yet to uncover a ‘Rosetta Stone’ equivalent. Till such a time we must unfetter our minds, and let them wander fearlessly through time and space. Because it is only those who dare to explore, that see the most exciting prospects on their horizons.
First carried in The Financial Express