Disruption, dislodgement and optimism...

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"Networking" is quite possibly the most overused word around, but that does not make it any less important; that's why it's overused I suppose.

Connecting with people to build your network, expand your Linked In connections and increasing your collection of "views and likes" is all well and good, but ultimately it's all about drawing on people's skills, insights and experience.

This is what I recently found myself involved with as we were looking for "perspective and insight" regarding a new technology in the molecular diagnostic space*. After a good deal of discussion, many questions and some "stunning visuals", we asked for some candid feedback. 

To that he simply said, "I have three words for you - Disruption, dislodgement and optimism". 

He went on to elaborate -

Disruption: How disruptive is your technology over the current technology? Is your technology different enough to consider adopting and change from what is currently being used? The more disruptive the technology, the more inherent advantages there are for switching and the more likely you will see adoption. He went on to say this ultimately applies to anything, be it technology or process, and had found innovation and disruption are more or less synonymous.

Dislodgement: What are you going to do to dislodge the incumbent, be it a competitor or how something is being done, and have your technology adopted? The less disruptive your technology, the more difficult it will be to dislodge the current way of thinking (if not impossible); whereas something of a disruptive nature (with advantages) has a better chance of dislodging the current technology or way of thinking. It was pointed out not to underestimate how difficult it is to dislodge the current way of thinking - It takes hard work, creativity and tenacity. 

And this brought us to optimism: We were reminded that by nature humans are overly optimistic; believing what we have is the most "innovative and disruptive, with the ability to dislodge any incumbent" . He also reminded us that facts and data win the day - In the same breath though, he went on to say it is optimism that enables people to do amazing things, and we should never lose it.

In parting, he mentioned we should call him in a couple of weeks as he knows someone we should talk to. The networking continues.

I am very optimistic.

gpe

* The technology is an isothermal amplification technology platform that offers advantages over current amplification technologies. If you are interested in knowing more let me know... we have some "stunning visuals". 

Facing challenges, problems or "everything" for that matter...

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I was saying to myself a while back that as much as I know the name Napoleon Bonaparte, that he lost at Waterloo and was somewhat vertically challenged, I really didn't know anything about him.

 Lo and behold, on Christmas day under the tree was a gift from Santa - The book NAPOLEON (Soldier of Destiny) by Michael Broers. That Santa Claus is brilliant; year after year, always getting me what I want.

As I finished the book's introduction there were four insights regarding Napoleon that immediately resonated with me; if truth be told, they have humbly given me further perspective when I am facing challenges, problems or "everything" for that matter.

Insight one: Napoleon lived during the French Revolution, notorious for being one of the bloodiest periods in modern civilization where no one was spared the gory violence; where at any moment your friend could turn you in as a counter - revolutionary and where the steady thud of the guillotine blade meeting flesh and bone became a white noise.* Every day was literally a life and death proposition.

• There are some very harsh realities that can come your way... count yourself lucky if you aren't dealing with them. In the end though, you still have to work through whatever you are dealing with.

Insight two: In 1793, having to flee Corsica for their very lives as a result of "La Vendetta"**, the Bonaparte family literally found themselves washed up on the shores of France, alone and without a penny to their name. Napoleon, although not involved in that desperate flight off the island, was at that time the head of the family and very much part of his family's fate.

• Circumstance, sometimes outside your control, can take everything away from you. It is important in the most literal sense to still be standing so you can continue on.

Insight three: Following the destruction of the family wealth, status and home, it took Napoleon Bonaparte six years to become the ruler of France in 1799.

• Where you are now, and where you want to be, are mutually exclusive... sometimes getting there can happen much faster than you think. 

Insight four: Napoleon Bonaparte wrote his own history - He knew what he wanted and was bold enough to take it. Granted, there were times he elected to "re-write" some of his history, but in fairness, he did rule France.

• Know what you want and be bold enough to go after it!

All of this and I've just read the book's introduction.

Before I get back to my book, there is one last insight - It's worth taking the time to search out people's stories, their lives, their challenges and triumphs... each and everyone a window into the strength and wonder of the human condition. You never know, it may lead you to where one day people are reading about you.

gpe

* Mallary A. Silva-Grondin & HowStuffWorks.com Contributors "How the French Revolution Worked" 27 February 2008.

** A feud between two families that arises from "slight, injury or killing of the member of one family" by a member of the other family, leading to long-lasting animosity and retaliatory acts of blood revenge... "If you offend him, he will kill you by a gun or by a stab..."

Inspiration... something important for getting it done.

The following is the original and the rewrite can be found by clicking here.

If asked what inspires me, I am not sure "pirates" would have come to mind, but it seems for Scott Leckie, the principal at Takota Asset Management, they do; after watching his video, I now have a better understanding as to why. 

I could not help but wonder about inspiration and why it is so very important, particularly when it comes to getting things done.

I will say right away, and somewhat emphatically, inspiration is not a replacement for having a well thought out plan aligned with your situation - Having said that, inspiration can be a very powerful force for working through that plan, or when working thorough any situation for that matter. 

Merriam-Webster defines inspiration  \ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən, -(ˌ)spi-\ as:

Something that makes someone want to do something or that gives someone an idea about what to do or create : a force or influence that inspires someone.

Three ways to categorize inspiration come to mind:

Inspiration that can lead you to pursue a goal: I think this is a pretty inspirational example, don't you?

 "Chris Hadfield says Neil Armstrong's 1969 walk on the moon inspired him to pursue a path that will see him become the first Canadian to command the International Space Station. (Graham Hughes/Canadian Press)".

Inspiration to help generate an idea (used for any and all situations like executing on your plan, solving a problem or taking advantage of and opportunity) - I got the following from tiny buddha for finding inspiration:

• Find inspiration in Nature
• Find inspiration on the Web (it's what I did)
• Find inspiration in Possibilities
• Find inspiration in People
• Find inspiration in Yourself

Lori Deschene, the founder of tiny buddha has offered up 50 places in total to find inspiration... definitely worth a look. You may get an idea.

Inspiration that emotionally engages and helps you work through the difficulties that come with executing on plans, solving problems or dealing with situations: We have all heard the stories of overcoming insurmountable odds, making the impossible possible, and validating the strength of the human spirit. Inspiration encourages us, strengthens us, reminds us that we are not alone, and what we are trying to do is possible. The world is full of these inspirational stories and is evident by a quick Internet search.  

Inspiration helps us get over the hurdles needed to get it done - it can stimulate a new idea or give you the energy to get back up when everything, I mean everything, is knocking you down. So as you build out your 2016 Goals, Objective and Plans, take some time to investigate what and who inspires you. You will be served well for it.

For me, I don't think it will be pirates.

gpe