Balancing data and intelligent intuition is the focal point for innovation. Intelligent intuition starts the creative process and data validates a hypothesis. True innovation doesn't seek minor changes, true innovation climbs the next mountain so you can see the higher peaks. In most cases that means probing into new reality, or evaluating new ways to look into existing reality. That requires thoughtful intuition.
What is intelligent intuition? It is the ability to make decisions when no data exists, when you cannot validate with outside reference. Intelligent intuition is what leads to LinkedIn and Netflix. Data validates what works when you build a DVD by mail or a streaming service - what movies are being watched? How many times do people watch? On what devices do they watch? All of this data helps in moving forward. The spak to go make Netflix Originals like House of Cards is intelligent intuition!
Using data to understand the customer, the business process, the error scenario, the number of support calls are tools of the trade. Understanding the signal from the noise is the most important step in validating the information. Data by itself remains a pointless gathering of numbers unless used effectively. Data gathering, sifting, analyzing is a long term effort. Understanding what metrics to collect and why those metrics are important for your business sets the stage for the larger conversation around markets, competitors, roadmaps, revenues and margins. Collect and understand the data set to know what you need to do at a tactical level.
Gather a cohort of people around you who thrive on intelligent intuitive creative thinking. Those are the people who will be making the big bets which will seem absurd at that moment. Think of the iPad - the thinking around it wasn't based on data but an intelligent intuition that said the world is ready for a device that was panned in the past. Intelligent intuition gives you courage, data helps you validate your thinking.
Go be intuitive, validate your ideas, climb the next mountain!
What is intelligent intuition? It is the ability to make decisions when no data exists, when you cannot validate with outside reference. Intelligent intuition is what leads to LinkedIn and Netflix. Data validates what works when you build a DVD by mail or a streaming service - what movies are being watched? How many times do people watch? On what devices do they watch? All of this data helps in moving forward. The spak to go make Netflix Originals like House of Cards is intelligent intuition!
Using data to understand the customer, the business process, the error scenario, the number of support calls are tools of the trade. Understanding the signal from the noise is the most important step in validating the information. Data by itself remains a pointless gathering of numbers unless used effectively. Data gathering, sifting, analyzing is a long term effort. Understanding what metrics to collect and why those metrics are important for your business sets the stage for the larger conversation around markets, competitors, roadmaps, revenues and margins. Collect and understand the data set to know what you need to do at a tactical level.
Gather a cohort of people around you who thrive on intelligent intuitive creative thinking. Those are the people who will be making the big bets which will seem absurd at that moment. Think of the iPad - the thinking around it wasn't based on data but an intelligent intuition that said the world is ready for a device that was panned in the past. Intelligent intuition gives you courage, data helps you validate your thinking.
Go be intuitive, validate your ideas, climb the next mountain!
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