Perseverance in Pursuit of Innovation

I can truly relate to the following by Jeff Bezos: 'If you're ever going to do something new and innovative, you have to be willing to be misunderstood. If you can't tolerate that then do anything new and innovative.'

One valuable lesson I've gained from my experiences in both the heavy steel industry and e-commerce is the importance of perseverance. Just because someone doesn't share your vision doesn't mean you should throw in the towel. Instead, it's crucial to work smarter and harder to persuade them with solid facts. If that proves challenging, consider backing up your case with practical tests. Advocating for your idea is essential, but so is listening attentively and seeking common ground.

I vividly recall a pivotal moment in my career, just a year into it, when I had to convince someone three times my age that my furnace heating model could match the performance of the current setup while saving on natural gas consumption. This experience left me with five key takeaways that continue to guide me whenever I face a daunting challenge in the pursuit of innovative ideas:

1. Explain the WHY: Innovation can make some uncomfortable because if something's already working, why change it? Therefore, it's crucial always to clarify the rationale behind your idea or solution. When someone truly comprehends the WHY, half the battle is won.

2. Listen with intent: It's easy to become complacent and narrow-minded, convinced that your solution is the best. However, long-term immersion in a particular field can blind you to potential risks. Actively listening to your peers is therefore essential.

3. Get your hands dirty: There's no shame in rolling up your sleeves, quite literally. I've learned the most and tested my ideas by engaging with personnel at all levels, from millwrights who might be directly affected by the idea to operators, the management team, and even the executive team. True understanding only comes from firsthand experience.

4. Don't give up: I'm the kind of person who doesn't back down without a fight. If someone can't offer assistance, I'll try to acquire the necessary skills myself or persist until I find someone who can help. For instance, I'm presently learning how to code to develop a new process using Palm2 generative AI within an operational workflow since there is no engineering resources available.

5. Keep researching and learning: You can never know enough, so continually strive to enhance your skills and explore new ways of doing things. I remember reaching out to Global R&D for guidance in developing this new heating model.

Drawing on my experiences in both the heavy steel industry and e-commerce, I've come to appreciate the transformative power of persistence. Remember, it's not enough to have a brilliant idea; you must also have the determination to see it through, even when others don't immediately share your vision.

By explaining the WHY, actively listening, getting your hands dirty, refusing to give up, and continuously expanding your knowledge, you can navigate the challenges that come with pushing boundaries and introducing groundbreaking concepts. In the end, these lessons in perseverance are not just about achieving success but about transforming the way we think and innovate. So, the next time you find yourself on the path to innovation, remember these insights and embrace the journey with unwavering determination.