The electric light did not come from the continuous improvement of the candle

The electric light did not come from the continuous improvement of the candle

The quote "The electric light did not come from the continuous improvement of the candle" by Oren Harari is often used to illustrate the importance of innovation and creativity in problem-solving. This quote implies that sometimes, in order to make significant progress, we need to break away from the past and come up with entirely new solutions.

But what can this quote teach us about leadership? Below, we explore a few key lessons that leaders can take away from this quote.

Lesson 1: Don't be afraid to challenge the status quo

The idea that the electric light could replace the candle must have seemed ludicrous to many people at the time. After all, candles had been the primary source of artificial light for centuries. But the inventors of the electric light, such as Thomas Edison, were not afraid to challenge the status quo.

Leaders should take note of this lesson and not be afraid to question established ways of doing things. Sometimes, the most innovative and effective solutions come from thinking outside of the box and breaking away from the status quo.

Lesson 2: Embrace failure as part of the innovation process

It's easy to forget that the invention of the electric light was not a straightforward process. Edison famously tried thousands of different filaments before finally settling on one that worked. Along the way, he encountered countless failures and setbacks.

Leaders should remember that failure is often an inevitable part of the innovation process. Instead of being discouraged by failure, leaders should embrace it as an opportunity to learn and improve. When mistakes happen, leaders should encourage their teams to reflect on what went wrong and what can be done differently in the future.

Lesson 3: Encourage diverse perspectives and collaboration

The invention of the electric light was not the work of a single person. Edison had a team of engineers, scientists, and other experts working alongside him. This diverse group of individuals brought different perspectives and skill sets to the table, which was crucial to the success of the project.

Leaders should strive to create an environment that encourages collaboration and diverse perspectives. When teams are made up of individuals with different backgrounds and skill sets, they are more likely to come up with innovative solutions to complex problems.

Lesson 4: Have a clear vision and purpose

Despite the many setbacks and failures, he encountered, Edison never lost sight of his ultimate goal: to create a viable electric light. He had a clear vision of what he wanted to achieve and a purpose that drove him forward.

Leaders should similarly have a clear vision and purpose that guides their decision-making and inspires their teams. When everyone is working towards a shared goal, it's easier to stay motivated and focused.

Lesson 5: Be willing to take risks

The invention of the electric light was a risky proposition. There was no guarantee that it would work or that it would be accepted by the public. But Edison and his team were willing to take that risk.

Leaders should similarly be willing to take risks to achieve their goals. Of course, risks should be calculated and well-informed, but leaders should not be afraid to take a chance on something that could lead to significant progress or innovation.

Oren Harari's quote can teach us many valuable lessons about leadership. By embracing innovation, challenging the status quo, embracing failure, encouraging diverse perspectives and collaboration, having a clear vision and purpose, and being willing to take risks, leaders can create environments that foster progress and innovation.

Leslie Bahn Kawa

DDM, MSc, MRCP UK, FRCP Consultant Physician at East Sussex NHS Trust & Author Essentials of Diabetes Medicine

1 年

Great analogy and principle of application in leadership. I work in a system where the elecric light is being tweaked over and over again with the same or even worse results. And i think if the electric light is working then keep it lightening. The other issue is resistance among people to take the changes. PNG has a gang mentality??????

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