Do you want to cultivate a more innovative and entrepreneurial culture in your team, one that embraces calculated risk taking and radical thinking? A powerful way to achieve this is by sharing stories about people who exemplified lateral thinking and whose ideas and actions transformed the world. People relate deeply to other people’s stories. Which examples should you use to inspire your team?
Avoid Overused Innovators
There are countless stories of groundbreaking innovators, but some examples might not resonate with your audience as effectively as others. While figures like Thomas Edison, Steve Jobs, Walt Disney, Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos are undoubtedly brilliant, using them as examples may not be the best choice in fostering a relatable and diverse atmosphere. Why?
- Overexposure: These individuals are often referenced in innovation-related talks, making their stories feel tired and predictable.
- Distant Relevance: Many of them are wealthier than most people could ever imagine, making it harder for your audience to identify with their experiences.
- Lack of Diversity: They share a common background—being white men from the U.S. This limits the diversity of perspectives and experiences, which is key to encouraging inclusive thinking.
Similarly, geniuses like Albert Einstein and Leonardo da Vinci might not always provide the most relatable context. While their contributions are monumental, their historical context and elevated genius can overshadow the idea that anyone can innovate.
Alternative External Examples
If you want to share examples from outside your organization, consider people whose stories can resonate deeply with a broader audience. Here are some innovators whose journeys are relatable and inspiring:
- Jorge Odon: An Argentine car mechanic who invented the Odon Device—a simple, low-cost tool that helps with difficult childbirths. His creation has the potential to save lives, especially in developing countries, and proves that innovation can stem from anyone, anywhere.
- Ted Hoff: An American electrical engineer who, working at Intel, invented the microprocessor. His creation of the Intel 4004 revolutionized the computing industry and played a key role in the rise of personal computers.
- George Washington Carver: Born into slavery, Carver became an African American agricultural scientist who invented hundreds of products using peanuts, sweet potatoes, and soybeans. His work not only helped farmers but promoted sustainable practices in agriculture.
- Marie Curie: The pioneering Polish-French physicist and chemist who discovered polonium and radium. Her groundbreaking research on radioactivity revolutionized cancer treatment and earned her two Nobel Prizes, making her an exemplary figure in overcoming barriers as a woman in science.
- Muhammad Yunus: A Bangladeshi social entrepreneur who pioneered microfinance and founded Grameen Bank. His efforts empowered millions, especially women, by providing small loans to help them start businesses, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006.
- Oprah Winfrey: Rising from childhood poverty, Oprah became North America’s first black multi-billionaire. Her influential career in media, along with her focus on philanthropy, demonstrates the power of overcoming adversity and achieving personal and social transformation.
- Boyan Slat: A young Dutch inventor who, at 18, developed a system to clean plastic from the oceans. His work through The Ocean Cleanup project reflects the impact of fresh, bold thinking in tackling global environmental issues.
- Ada Lovelace: The 19th-century English mathematician and writer, widely recognized as the world’s first computer programmer. She collaborated with Charles Babbage on his Analytical Engine, providing the first algorithm intended for a machine.
- Shigeru Miyamoto: The Japanese video game designer who created iconic franchises like Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Donkey Kong. His innovations have had a lasting impact on the entertainment industry, shaping modern gaming culture.
By choosing examples that embody diverse backgrounds and industries, you can show your team that innovation can come from anywhere, and that anyone, regardless of their background, can be an agent of change.
Look for Stories Within Your Organization
Don’t just look outside your company; look within it. Can you identify someone within your organization who has done something extraordinary, taken risks, and come up with innovative solutions? Share their story! Recognize their creativity and boldness in front of the group. Of course, always get their permission before highlighting their achievements but public praise can be a powerful motivator.
Additionally, share a personal story of your own. Perhaps there was a time when you took a risk that didn’t pay off as expected, but the experience provided a valuable lesson. Vulnerability in leadership can inspire your team to take creative risks—knowing that not all ventures will succeed, but all of them can provide insight and growth.
Paul Sloane is the author of Lateral Thinking for Every Day published by Kogan-Page.