Random Innovation Thoughts

The whole Airbus big plane strategy versus Boeing’s efficient jet strategy is fun to watch because of the enormity of the consequences. It feels like an “all-in” Texas hold ‘em situation. I particularly liked Boeing spokesman Jim Proulx’s comment about Airbus’ strategy, “The a380 is chasing a market of about 300 airplanes of 500 seats and above, and they’re welcome to it.”

In its latest financial statement Dell had a net 3 month income of $762 million while Apple reported $410 million. This raises a couple of interesting points. First, sexy doesn’t always mean cash. Second, as an employee I think earnings are moot. I’d rather work for Apple because it seems like it would be cooler.

Speaking of Apple its neat to see it regain its innovative edge after previous stumbles. Remember the Newton, it is widely regarded as a flop with Apple never getting more than 6% of the lucrative PDA market. You’re not going to get it right every time.
The more that I think about it, the more that I realize that Innovation is nothing more than looking at product development through a leadership lens.

Here's an interesting tidbit from a May 7th article in the NY Times titled, "A Star is Made" by Stephen Dubner. It helps support my assertion that you are better off chipping out singles than trying to bomb the homerun. The article is discussing the work of pschological professor, Ander Ericsson.

[The book] makes a startling assertion: the trait that we commonly call talent is highly overrated. Or, put it another way, expert performers - whether in memory or surgery, ballet or compuer programming - are always nearly made, not born. And yes, practice does make perfect.