Alchemy is an ancient science that seeks the transformation of lead (Pb) into gold (Au). Many believed that this can happen with the substance called the Philosopher's Stone. In modern times, people are still seeking this elusive Philosopher's stone. None have found the formula to transform lead to gold yet. However a few enlightened ones have managed to transform simple carbon into nano tubes which is worth much more than gold.
We are now living in a new age, where the new alchemy is about transforming i (ideas, insight, imagination & inspiration) into something valuable (wealth, harmony etc.). As alchemy transformed into chemistry, its essence is still the same, the art and science
of transformation. Just like chemistry, innovation involves:
Purpose - Creating Value
A combination of different elements, substances + Energy
A process of combining the different elements and application of different energy
Finally, in most chemical reactions, we need a catalyst. A catalyst is a substance that can cause a change in the rate of a chemical reaction without itself being consumed in the reaction. Just like a chemical reactions, innovation is also driven by catalysts. In this case the most powerful catalyst is human creativity and energy.
Our role at Alpha Catalyst Consulting is to be the catalyst that helps organizations build their capability and capacity to innovate.
What is Innovation
We believe innovation is a mindset and culture that is capable of conceiving the need for change and developing alternative ideas and solutions, the willingness to choose and execute risky but promising ideas and lastly it is about connecting the ideas to the market until value is created. Hence it’s a convergence of needs, great ideas, execution and value creation. (Mouseover the different C's to read more)
This is about seeing the needs, desires and frustrations at the same time.
What are the constraints present? What are the risks and possibilities?
This level is about creating a portfolio of possibilities. This is where creativity would lend a hand, to come up with new novel ideas and insights.
The third stage of the innovation process is about evaluating and selecting the idea. It is about making the idea happen. It is about choosing from the portfolio of ideas and deciding which is the idea that you want to embark on.
At this stage we need to consider the impact versus implementation ease of the idea. We need to be clear of the level of risk that one is willing to take.
This stage can also be called the diffusion of the innovation. This is where the new idea is spread into the market place and people see value. Here we need to concern ourselves with how to get the buy-in for the idea/solution.
At this stage it is still important to revisit the core to ensure that the solution is aligned to the initial need.
Catalyst for Change ® Philosophy
This philosophy helps you to explore new approaches and develop your own ideas on how to innovate. Use the philosophy to widen your perspectives, to inspire fresh ideas, to rid yourself of the fear of the uncertainty… (Mouseover the different bubbles to read more)
This is about having a clarity of purpose, what you are about, what you are not about, making clear the tradeoffs and clarifying the principle driving your value/force?. Some may call it the essence, the centre. Whatever you call it, this forms the core of it all.
This is about blending views, opinions, ideas and perspectives. Adopting and adapting ideas. This is likened to ‘Rojak’ ,one of our favorite Malaysian dishes. When we mix many different entities, we get a new creation. For instance with Biomimicry, we learn from nature to provide us inspiration for new solutions.
Use different tools to understand, communicate and create meaning. Factual data is not enough. Visualize, imagine, use stories to engage, metaphors, draw to make things visible to all. Let the picture talk.
Let information sink in. Sometimes we get caught up in just doing things, that we lose track of why we are doing what we are doing. Sometimes we need time to let information seep in and allow ideas to emerge naturally.
This is a Japanese term, adopted from Aikido which literally means to enter and turn. In this context, it is about truly understanding and empathizing with a situation before we attempt to change it. Using this philosophy, to change something or someone, we must first enter into their world/space to understand what they are about (their history, aspirations etc) and then turn so that we know exactly what they are facing/experiencing and only then can we decide whether their standing needs to be changed.
Experiment, build to think and understand, have fun doing new things and exploring new ideas and taking risks.
Be prepared to go into the unknown by having faith in the process, just like going down the rapids or on a journey of exploration. You can’t predict everything but be ready to manage the emerging dynamics.
There are two levels to this; one is to accept the constraints and work with what is possible and the other is to create your own constraints so that you are much more focused.
The 8 Elements
There are many approaches for innovation to happen. Some may be more structured and systematic while others more flexible. What is clear is that there is no one particular way to do it but a myriad of ways, influenced by the organizational culture, people (generation X or Y), structure, finances and many other parameters. What we have conceived however is that there are certain core elements which when addressed by the leader, can generate innovation within a company. We need to tap on the Asian culture which is a strong top-down society. Therefore, we feel it is more pertinent to invest time and energy to change 40 leaders instead of 400 employees.
The core elements are: (Mouseover the different elements to read more)
Extensive communications across the board is essential. The mode of communication may be different now compared to a decade ago. Here, companies should not hesitate to use new technology to communicate and share information, however they need to balance between crucial information and information overload.
Having some form of process and resource allocation. Thus leaders are able to tap on and utilize the flow of insights and ideas from the employees. This also includes having a risk management and project management process.
As with any other task, managing one’s energy is extremely important. As a leader, we need to be aware of maintaining employee engagement, keeping stress under control, yet still push the team beyond their comfort zone. Here again, the presence of the Asian culture can be a plus where it stresses on relationship building, sense of community and belonging. Therefore when instigated, small acts can have a significant impact.
This is a crucial element but not the only element in innovation (as many perceive it to be). This represents coming up with fresh/new/novel options or ideas. It must be remembered though that this can be outsourced however one must be ready to accept the new radical ideas if it emerges. Leaders can’t undo 3 decades of what an educations system does to a person in 3 days of creativity training.
Being aware of both internal and external context i.e. awareness of what is going on within the industry, within the environment, within the company (how do the employees feel? What are the issues faced by them etc.). Being aware to changes which are happening in and around the company.
For successful innovation to happen, we need to encourage people with diverse views and background to make extensive collaborations, internally (within a company) and externally (with partners, clients, competitors etc). Some of these may be formal (with contracts drawn up) while some may be open collaborations. External collaborations can also serve as a short term solution to overcome internal capability.
Innovation doesn’t happen in void. People need a large assortment of tacit and explicit knowledge and data. These can be technical, operational or financial competencies. This will form a structured and unstructured access to information, internally (within ones self) and externally (within the group). The cross pollination of ideas will also give rise to new knowledge, better ideas and insights.
This is about having a clear sense of purpose of what the company is about and what its not. Its about the internal and external branding, whether innovation is part of the company agenda, either formally or in-formally. Is the message to innovate clear and consistent within the company?
