Garbage In, Gold Out! – Innovation Evangelism
Innovation is a buzzword in today’s business world. Companies are constantly seeking new and creative solutions to stay ahead of the competition and meet the ever-changing needs of their customers. But where does innovation come from? What fuels the creative process?
One answer to these questions lies in the concept of “Garbage In, Gold Out.” This idea, popularized by renowned innovation evangelist Guy Kawasaki, suggests that by exposing oneself to a wide range of inputs, including “garbage” or seemingly insignificant information, one can generate “gold” or valuable ideas and innovations.
The term “innovation evangelism” refers to the practice of promoting and encouraging innovation within an organization. Innovation evangelists are champions of change and creativity, working to inspire and empower their colleagues to think outside the box and embrace new ideas.
So how does Garbage In, Gold Out and innovation evangelism go hand in hand? The concept is simple: the more diverse and varied the inputs we receive, the richer our creative output will be. By exposing ourselves to a wide range of information, ideas, and perspectives, we can cultivate a fertile environment for innovative thinking.
In today’s digital age, we are bombarded with a constant stream of information from various sources, including social media, news outlets, and online content. While much of this information may seem trivial or irrelevant, it can serve as the “garbage” that fuels our innovation engines. By immersing ourselves in this sea of information, we expose ourselves to new and unexpected ideas, sparking connections and insights that can lead to groundbreaking innovations.
But Garbage In, Gold Out is not just about passive consumption of information. It also requires active engagement with the world around us. Innovation evangelists encourage their teams to seek out new experiences, engage with diverse communities, and embrace failure as a learning opportunity. By constantly seeking out new challenges and pushing the boundaries of their comfort zones, individuals can cultivate a mindset that is open to new ideas and primed for innovation.
To foster a culture of innovation within an organization, leaders must embrace the principles of Garbage In, Gold Out and champion the values of innovation evangelism. This means creating spaces for employees to share their ideas, fostering a spirit of collaboration, and celebrating risk-taking and creativity. By empowering their teams to explore new ideas and perspectives, leaders can harness the power of Garbage In, Gold Out and drive meaningful innovation within their organizations.
Ultimately, the concept of Garbage In, Gold Out and the principles of innovation evangelism remind us that innovation is not a passive process. It requires active engagement, creativity, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. By promoting these values within our organizations, we can tap into the diverse sources of inspiration around us and transform “garbage” into “gold” – driving meaningful change and driving our organizations forward.
