5 Things That Could Stimulate ‘True’ Innovation in the South
Posted on 01. Sep, 2011 by Waks in Business
Ok, I know you’re saying what is he about to do now? I promise this will be painless and short. Uh, well, maybe. I’m a southerner and I like to think that I have a very high IT intelligence. But like most of us southern techies, our northern, eastern and western counterparts don’t consider us to be the cool kids at the party. There are many reasons for this behavioral treatment. The hard pill to swallow, no matter how much you think you know, is that our IT counterparts don’t think that we have the forward capacity to innovate like they do. Really? Yes, really. Now, is that our fault. I say emphatically, hell no. What can the southern IT workforce, entrepreneurs and VCs do to remedy the ills that plague our profession as it relates to fostering IT business and innovation?
Applying the no asshole rule is the very first thing you should do. That’s right I said asshole. The asshole, in business, is the kind of person who is intent on destroying you, others, morale and ideas whether it be a business, startup, etc.
Let’s face it, the workplace is filled with assholes and the south is no different. Get rid of them (AS FAST AS YOU CAN) and everything for which they stand. Now, there are exceptions to the rule, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Larry Ellison, those Google Boys, Zuckerberg, etc., but the difference between them and us, is that their products, services and ideas not only revolutionized technology at some point on the timeline, but the persons themselves had a unique and innate ability to recognize true innovation when they saw it. Are they the elephants in the room? Sure, but you’ve got to like their style. So, no, I’m not talking about them. I’m talking about the old mainstay that clearly thinks that he knows more than you because of the position he holds, so you couldn’t possibly have innovative ideas kind of person. The acronym pusher who doesn’t even know what the acronym means. The one that would rather stay comfortable inside their own skin instead of experimenting and pushing the envelope. I’m talking about the consummate CYA, email you all day individuals. The individuals who chat it up and demean any and everybody around the office breakroom frequently. The IT staffs that resemble nothing but nepotism in State government. Ahem, State of Florida and Georgia, i’m just saying. And the list could go on and on.
The only way to start motivating, innovating and creating is to first identify the assholes who have to be removed from the equation of brainstorming. Weak bosses, gotta go. Clearly unskilled workers, outta here. People who are always tearing down ideas instead of considering them, you are no longer wanted. The people who like to meet just to meet, come on. The people who think innovation is web design or computer maintenance. You get where I’m headed with this. You just can’t do anything on the job or as an entrepreneur as long as these types of people are a part of the fabric of the community. Their voice in the south is entirely too strong and it’s time for young professionals to rise up and say something. Take a stand. Innovate or perish. And southern VCs this means you too. Because let’s face it, without it, no jobs are created, people will continue to leave our lovely shorelines, hospitality and tropical climate and worst of all, I’d probably be here by myself living in a barren wasteland. I’m not friggin’ Mad Max. LOL.
Start with this first and the south would be making huge steps in the innovation department. Cause I got to tell you, I’m tired of not being the cool kid. It’s time for the south to prove its merit in the case of IT innovation and creation.
Follow me as I continue this series in next week’s Monday Morning Hangover, where I will discuss Part 2 and how we can take charge of our innovation crisis here in the south.
As always, until next time.
Source: Four-Five Station
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