When a security guard at the Thomas Edison Winter Estate museum in Fort Meyers, Florida discovered that the young Gerald Haman was sitting in Edison's desk chair, he promptly escorted the future Solutionman OUT of the museum with a stern warning never to return.
It turns out that the museum's velvet security rope was not in place, and Haman saw the opportunity to sit in Edison's favorite chair and try to channel the creative spirit of the world's most famous inventor.
It never happened for Haman, but authors Michael Gelb and Sarah Miller Caldicott (Edison's grand niece) may have indeed channeled the spirit of the great inventor in their new book, Innovate Like Edison: The Success System of America's Greatest Inventor.
QUESTIONATE:
8 Great Questions to Innovate Like Edison
- Do I have a disciplined, systematic approach to innovation?
- Do I focus my creative efforts toward the creation of value for others?
- Do I consistently see opportunity in the face of adversity?
- Do I cultivate "Master Mind Collaboration" through diversity in my circle of contacts?
- Do I know how to make the most of my own learning style and the styles of those with whom I interact?
- Do I cultivate balance between seriousness/play, intensity/relaxation, solitude/team and sharing/protecting?
- Do I know how to make sure that people remember my message when I present?
- Do I have a good understanding of my core competencies and how to link them to gaps in the marketplace?
If you answered YES to most of the previous questions, your future should be as bright as a 100 watt light bulb! If you answered NO… you may want read the book and learn HOW to Innovate Like Edison.
