I know, I know, the Church isn’t a business. But we can learn from them, especially successful entrepreneurs. How often are we astounded by the “next big idea” and think to ourselves “how does someone come up with that?” There’s a tendency to assume that Silicon Valley is chock full of wunderkids operating on an entirely different level than we are capable. Either that or we dismiss the success of innovators as simply great timing and a dose of dumb luck. However, there are concrete habits that these leaders share that you can implement in your organization.
Think Big, But Don’t Think Complicated
Just, because an idea is revolutionary or huge doesn’t mean it has to be complex. Quite the opposite. Too much information or too broad of a focus creates confusion and eventually disinterest. Multinational corporations have highly-paid teams whose mission it is to reduce their brand to a short, graspable concept. The goal should be to find a niche or a need and then fill it with a concrete solution. Our mission as a church is to “Love God. Love others. Make disciples.” It’s a big goal, but its not complicated.
Resist Negativity/Learn From Criticism/Accept Correction
Imagine the reaction to the Wright Brothers trying to finance their flying machine or Benjamin Franklin running around in a thunderstorm with a kite. Now imagine if they had listened to those doubters. While feedback should be considered and encouraged, we can always learn from criticism (even when its mean), and we should be humble enough to accept correction. But when it comes to negativity, just resist it.
Always Learn/ Always Adapt
Failure can discourage, but sometimes success can be just as destructive when it fosters complacency. A true innovator is never content and never stops learning, regardless of their victories. The world is constantly changing and it is waiting to humble you as you enjoy your success. Use these respites to start looking to your next innovation. Every change that Facebook makes draws the public outcry “Why fix what’s working?” But they have become a power player by anticipating change rather than only relying on what has brought them success.
By the way, none of these habits are things that come naturally. They are counter to many things we’ve been taught and naturally accept. It is always a learning process, but with practice they can be implemented.