Rapidinnovation - The Principles

The fundamental or guiding principle behind Rapidinnovation is rather simple. It is the practice of 'Non-perfection'.

Given that the objective of any problem solving is to harmoniously adapt to a given set of emerging realities the way to do it elegantly is to innovate or change by modifying existing relationships.

The intent of Rapidinnovation is to help us solve problems, improve or change existing situations, help people improve their lives, deepen our understanding of the world around us and to create in us the ability to change relationships for the better in a holistic manner thereby making life meaningful and worthwhile.

How is this done?

This is done by balancing the inherent 'imperfection' in a given set of mutually interdependent relationships in the present. (Refer post on Rapidinnovation)

Hence the simplest way the fundamental principle of Rapidinnovation can be expressed is as follows:

"Balance imperfect relationships in the now to innovate and harmoniously adapt to new emerging realities"

It is not a theory. It is a practice. Expressed in a word it is the practice of 'NON-PERFECTION'; highlighting the fundamental principle of Rapidinnovation.

The rationale of this practice is logical linked and based on certain principles, which are as follows:

1. While everything seems to have an unique identity, nothing ever exists by itself. Indeed its identity is only relevant in its relationship to other things illustrating the principle of non-self. Hence, everything is in a state of connected web of multiple interdependent relationships with many other things. Such interdependences create relationships that "move" in time and space paradoxically helped by sets of opposing relationships. 

2. Every relationship has a quality to it that changes with space, time and changes in specific quantities in the elements that make up a given set of relationships.

3. All interdependent relationships are becoming, i.e. changing their states over time and space. There is no fixity about any relationship. Hence all relationships are 'interbecoming'. That is when something is 'becoming' other relationships associated with it also start 'becoming'. Change one relationship; other relationships also start to change. Such changes are triggered by constantly changing reality. This illustrates the principles of 'non-being' and 'interbecoming'.  Therefore, what was once a perfect relationship in the past can become "imperfect in the now" ('imperfections') under changing reality.

4. Such 'imperfections' pose as problems in adaptation for some, many or all. Such problems impede continuity of purpose or flow of relationships. Hence 'imperfections' in the relationship are precisely the problems to be addressed in a given context.

5. Therefore, design innovation would entail balancing out such imperfections. That would create a new set of relationships based on the paradox of opposites, thereby enabling a set of relationships to adapt to new realities.

6. Balancing out imperfections involve conscious creation of deeper level of human understanding that is contextual in nature. This might only happen in a state of "non-fear" of the mind since it is fear of many types that forces a human being to cling to previous levels of understanding and experience, which on most occasions prove fatal. The basis of new understanding is 'praxis'.

7. The product of such 'balancing' might be an artifact, system, rules, practice, method or simple change in paradigm, or change of understanding.

8. The method of creation of such balancing 'products' is called Design Innovation. It has two parts -- 'exploration' (i.e. creation) and method of 'exploitation' (i.e. how it is to be used). A proper balance of exploration and exploitation brings about the desired 'harmony' of adaptation which has three specific purposes, namely, Reliability, Availability and Performance (as discussed in the blog post Rapidinnovation).

9. The efforts needed to innovate would last or continue till new realities take shape initiating new 'imperfections' to take shape. One has to be mindful of emergence of new imperfections. The method to achieve that is viewing the web of interdependent relationships in a 'non-mind' state - a state of mind that is free of all assumptions, suppositions, presumptions, unnecessary beliefs, notions, prejudices, concepts, anxieties and fear.

 

Next Blog:--> Rapidinnovation - The Non-Process

CL - Act Local: Feel Global!

Times have significantly changed.

A time has come when 'All thinking worthy of the name must now be ecological." -- Lewis Mumford.

We are now clear that the ecological balance of our planet is at peril and our modern way of living is no longer sustainable.

What might we do then?

a) Do something on the political front. Any positive result is very unlikely.

b) Do something to lift financially poor nations and societies out of poverty. Again positive results are very unlikely.

c) Stop wars. Not a likely thing to happen in near future.

d) Bring Nations under environmental agreement. Looks gloomy at its best!

e) Stop manufacturing plants coming up in China and India. Downright foolish idea

f) Use renewable energy. Not viable till date. As of now the cost is prohibitive.

g) Use public transport and cut down on car production. Good idea but can't be implemented. But this might hurt public and social vanity. And it might hurt companies too.

h) Change currency into something intangible. This idea is doing its rounds for quite sometime. But can envision how this is possible.

i) Reduce or check population growth. Not possible unless poverty is eradicated like small pox.

j) Do something at an individual or family level -- use less water to flush and bathe, recycle garbage, buy cars with better mileage, etc... Good idea to initiate some movement in this direction.

k) Campaign against anything obnoxious -- cutting of trees, toxic wastes in agricultural fields, killing of animals, growing crops not native to a particular place. Good idea again. But it needs a lot of leadership skills for people to voluntarily participate. Most of such campaigns have fizzled out unless backed by strong politicians (usually fighting for their personal causes) or backed by large and big corporations having vested interests who are sometimes economically more powerful than many nations. Hence unlikely! Or a Vinoba Bhave type of campaign that happens once in a century. Not very useful either. Or keep blaming others. That is a waste of time and effort since none would listen.

l) Feel what each of us can contribute from our own specific role in society constantly reminding ourselves of the question, "Within the given situation what may I do better to address the ecological issues of our times?"

This to me appears plausible under the given circumstances. It is simple indeed to ask, 'What can I do to promote both ecological balance and live in a better way as a businessman, architect, teacher, professor, engineer, worker, taxi-driver, bus-driver, designer, doctor, nurse, lawyer, prostitute, musician, student, husband, housewife, traffic policeman, employee, manager, politician or a farmer or an economist?

As soon as we ask this question or remind ourselves of it a whole new world opens up with zillion possibilities. That for me is creative leadership.

Let us take an example to examine how this might work.

I love this DIY site: Dornob. Let's see how they are answering the great question.

1. They use container pallets to design their furniture. It is basically a waste product after materials arrive at users' doors. Idea - recycling materials!

2. The pallets are then configured in various ways to create different types of furniture (modular in concept). That is you can take them off and choose to build something else or simply stack them away for some future use. Reusable!

3. The end products are not the most minimalist or fashionable works, but they show the marks of their origins and are certainly eye-catching in a raw and honest way. A good design approach without using additional materials!

4. The tables, chairs and lamps themselves are both playful and pragmatic. They use existing colors as accents rather than relying on additional paints or stains. Some use blocks while other employ slats, depending on the need. Straight lines and right angles make them look minimalist at a glance, but really just functional and easy to build on closer inspection.

5. The best part, though, is that you cannot buy their designs – these are not for sale. What is for sale, instead, are a series of instruction manuals, photo books and other related merchandise. This is not only a clever way to tap into a market of do-it-yourself customers who would rather be giving plans than a finished product, but also more sustainable (and perhaps less ironic) than simply boxing and shipping reconstituted containers that you could just as easily get locally. I love this idea!! It benefits ecology. It benefits business. It benefits local factories & warehouses. It benefits users who gets more for less.

What can I do to promote both ecological balance and live in a better way? This is the lead question one might embrace to restore  ecological balance in someway thereby prolong our existence on planet Earth and also live in a better way.

What a powerful story that would prove to be? Feel from the heart to reach and connect 6.4 millon hearts!

It is time for this Creative Leadership to take shape and form starting with every individual as a leader operating in his/her own sphere of activity/work --  Act Local. Feel Global -- What might I do to ... ?

 

CL stands for Creative Leadership.

Dharma & Creative Leadership

In India, the word 'Dharma' occupies a special place. However, the meaning of this word is greatly misunderstood.

Some take it to mean religious beliefs, which it is not. Some take it to mean a 'calling' in life, which it is not. Some take it for integrity, honesty ethical values, which it is not. Some take it to stand for justice, which it is not.

The Sanskrit word, Dharma is all about empathy and wisdom. It is about looking deep into ourselves and winning the raging war that goes on inside every human mind and spirit. It is about new ways to do something in a new situation.

This is central to anything we choose to do in life. It is the starting point of Designing and Creativity. It is the end point of Thinking It is the starting point of Decision making. It is the starting point of Personal Mastery.

All great leaders in our world, now and in the past, have adhered to the path of Dharma to be successful and do good to others. Examples are countless in every field of human activity -- Krishna, Moses, Christ, Mohammad, Buddha, Gandhi, Mandela, King, Tagore, Shakespeare, Kalidas, Mother Teresa, Newton, Einstien, Bohm, Bateson... They were against rituals and established orders. They understood reality and the aspiration of their people well. They were creative. They helped people. Touched their lives and hearts. And moved them and nations or their fields of activities to ever increasing greatness.

How might the golden traits of empathy and wisdom be developed?

It might be developed through critical thinking. It might be developed through practices of problem solving or questioning meaningless rituals. It might be developed through listening to stories and developing imagination. It might be developed through the practice of achieving balance in anything we experience or choose to do.

Generally, it is best to have a bit of all four paths or ways incorporated in our daily lives to have a balanced but accelerated process of self development in empathy and wisdom. 

Without these two fluxes to envelope us we are badly stuck in life. But mastery in these would certainly help us to become Creative Leaders to lead our societies in this new century.

Creative Leadership based on Dharma is not only about the way we think, do, manage and organize our organizations and societies but also how we choose to lead our own lives in the most productive fashion that ensures joy and satisfaction in whatever we do opening the way to enjoy the expanding experience of freedom.