"Innovation is the art of transforming knowledge into progress and prosperity. We aim to elevate and accelerate that art form-and to make it a science-in service to the world."* L. Rafael Reif, President, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
What I find exciting about reading MIT Technology Review's annual magazine that features "35 Innovators Under 35"** is that the stories describe real people demonstrating innovation in service to the world. Elizabeth Mormino is studying a protein in the brain that may lead to the prevention of Alzheimer's disease. Rohan Paul has invented an affordable ultrasonic sensor cane for blind people. Michelle O'Malley is a chemical engineer researching a microbe that could help reduce the cost of biofuels.
The magazine divided these innovators into five categories: inventors, entrepreneurs, visionaries, pioneers, and humanitarians. What I like about this approach is that it helps those of us who are not PhD's, engineers, or scientists to perhaps see ourselves in one of the five categories.
This makes me think about coaching as a technology for innovations in thinking, being, and doing. When I ask a client a thoughtful question, it opens up a discovery that helps her look at a problem or way of thinking in a new way. It may provide her with inspiration or a creative challenge. This impact extends to her family, co-workers and friends contributing to the greater good.
Where do you find inspiration?
What will you discover today?
How are you making an impact?
* Spectrum, MIT, Spring 2015
** MIT Technology Review, September/October 2015
Lagniappe
|
|
| Oliver Sacks writes in his journal outside Amsterdam train station. (Photograph: Lowell Handler) |
"Whether it is by learning a new language, traveling to a new place, developing a passion for beekeeping or simply thinking about an old problem in a new way, all of us can find ways to stimulate our brains to grow... Just as physical activity is essential to maintaining a healthy body, challenging one's brain, keeping it active, engaged, flexible and playful, is not only fun. It is essential to cognitive fitness." Oliver Sacks ("This Year, Change Your Mind", New York Times, December 31, 2010)
In my latest creative endeavor, I am learning how to write a play. I am excited. Stay tuned.
