innovation

First Principles

First Principles

From PayPal through to SpaceX and Tesla Motors, Elon Musk has become the epitome of Tony Stark (minus the shiny red suit). When Musk speaks, it is usually a good idea to listen, especially when he is talking about innovation - this is especially true on his appearance on Kevin Rose's Foundation series. 

First Principles is a concept taken from physics that Musk applies to much of the innovations in his recent efforts. The concept is simple, start with the fundamentals you know are true, and work up from there.

From Musk:

"It's important to reason from First Principles rather than by analogy. So the normal way that we conduct our lives is that we reason by analogy. We are doing this because it's like something else that was done. Or it's like what other people are doing. 

…

It's mentally easier to reason by analogy, rather than from first principles. First Principles is kind of a physics way of looking at the world, and what that really means is that you boil things down to the most fundamental truths, and say what we are sure is true, or sure is possible is true. And then reason up from there - that takes a lot more mental energy.

The Innovators Dilemma

The Innovators Dilemma

Why do companies fail? Or more importantly, why do good companies fail? And by good, I mean the kind that many other managers and academics praise, admire or generally try and emulate.

There can be a range of reasons why companies stumble - from tired bureaucracy, poor planning, inadequate skills or resources, to just plain bad luck. What is potentially more interesting are why well managed companies fail - ones that listen to their customers and to the market, invest aggressively in innovation and new technology, make astute resourcing decisions, but still lost their market dominance. 

One of the most famous books to address this failure is the Innovators Dilemma by Clayton Christensen.

The Innovators Dilemma is an enormously influential business book, a kind of bible for some of the most influential managers of recent years. Steve Jobs famously listed it as one of the few business books he trusted. Jeff Bezos highlights it as a must have in his own reading list. The startup community also practice a lot of the concepts, evolving these to fit the growth of disruptive technologies and ideas. 

The Way of Innovation: George St. Pierre and The Way of the Fight

The Way of Innovation: George St. Pierre and The Way of the Fight

What can an MMA World Champion teach us about innovation?

The Way of the Fight by George St. Pierre is a fantastic insight into the life of not just a world champion fighter, but a consummate businessman and gentleman who has transformed himself into a global brand.

Part philosophy, part scientific methodology, part business tutorial, and part self help guide, George weaves personal narrative with advice and commentary from some of the most influential teachers throughout his life and career.