Buzzword of the decade

Innovation, one of the most used buzzwords over the past 10 years is quickly becoming a word used by everyone to describe things that are new and supposedly groundbreaking. However I think that our expectations have outgrown the meaning of this word in the past decade. The definition of Innovation is the introduction of new ideas, methods or things. The problem with this word is that we are so used to big leap innovations that we don't care too much for smaller leaps of innovation any longer.

The best example to use is the newly announced Apple IPad. "A larger IPhone" was the verdict from many critics as they concluded that Apple had failed to live up to the high expectations associated with Steve Jobs famous keynote. I don't think the IPad will be a flop but I don't think it will be a game changer like the IPod or the IPhone. The announcement of the IPad clearly demonstrates what we have come to expect from organisations and technology in general. We are no longer satisfied with small leaps, improvements and upgrades. We want big groundbreaking innovations that truly change the way we live and enjoy our lives.

Over the past 100 years we have seen the introduction of cars, TV's, Mobile Phones, computers and the Internet. These inventions have truly changed the way we human beings live our lives. Most of these innovations came along, ripped up the status quo and created a new way of doing something. Small leap innovations are simply less exiting, but are they less effective in moving us forward? The trend on the Internet seems to be similar at the moment as we impatiently wait for the next Google or Facebook.

But what if the upcoming decade or two don't bring any big leap innovations, but instead smaller and more linear innovations? Does it actually make any difference?

REVIEW: The Unwritten Laws of Business

On the last day of my internship, I received a gift from a colleague, that gift was 'The Unwritten laws of Business'. Originally titled 'The Unwritten Laws of Engineers' by W J King in 1944, the 'pamphlet' was a hidden gem and was recognised by others outside of the engineering profession. Due to the extensive fondness by so many varied types of businessman, James G Skakoon took up the challenge of rewriting the original with additions and creating a book that teaches fundamental lessons for personal development in business to everyone that gives it a shot.

In 99 pages, James G Sakoon/ W J King underline the fundamentals to individual professional success from freshly graduated to running a business as a CEO. After reading this book I felt motivated and freshly educated, I mean that because although some of the content is fairly obvious, the definitions by both Sakoon and King are consistently refreshing, insightful and witty – making for a comfortable and enjoyable read.

The millennial in me may consider some of the content to be conservative (i.e. Personal Appearance), but as a millennial I respect and understand the concepts behind the 65 years of history of this book. The first law of the book is ‘However menial and trivial your early assignments may appear, give them your best efforts’ – now this seems fairly obvious and maybe a little patronising, but Sakoon and King define the concept very well, “...it is fundamentally true that if you take care of your present job well, the future will take care of itself”, simple wording that can provoke many argumentative theories, but I guess that’s why I like it so much. There is so much thought leadership behind the content of this book, it resonates with me as someone who enjoys provoking discussion and collectively finding individual answers – this book provides no right or wrong answer, it puts you on the track, which route you take is entirely up to you...

This book is necessary and fundamental to anyone working in an organisation, or for those that are doing business related degrees. It teaches the reader essential 'Laws', that you just don't learn at School, College or University. Some may think it is a book on professional etiquette, but really 'etiquette' is just a funny word for 'Fitting In' – This defines how to achieve personal success, and the learning’s are pertinent to anyone in any profession.