Ideation & Implementation

I have met more and more people recently who believe in the power of ideas.  They are passionate about generating and forming new ideas and concepts.  They are often particularly creative people; it can be a little challenging to keep up with them, and very exciting to be around them.  They have seemingly endless ways to create new ideas, and are energized to generate more of them.

I recognize the power of ideas; ideas are the seeds of the future.  Most of the organizations, movements, and products I admire most in the world have been sparked by the power of good ideas.

Still, I am not really an idea person; I am more strategic.  I enjoy thinking about new approaches, but my strengths are more in implementation.  My experience has more to do with getting things done and putting ideas to work.  I recognize that even the best ideas accomplish very little if they are not put into practice.

I tend to appreciate people with the perseverance and focus to get things done more than those with the creativity to generate new ideas.

I had coffee a few days ago with Charles Lee, the CEO of Ideation.  Charles has a book coming out early in 2012 called Good Idea, Now What? that will help businesses and other organizations focus on putting their great ideas to work.  I learn something new every time I talk with Charles, and admire how he helps people bring together the power of ideas and the practical benefits of implementing them.  I am looking forward to reading his book.

I am coming to understand how much we need each other.  Ideators can learn from people who are great implementers, and those who focus on implementation can learn from people who love new ideas.

As with activists and contemplatives, we need to find the balance that includes the strength of both.

What challenges stand between your best ideas and putting them to work?

[Image by olga.belobaba]