Response to "8 Keys to Innovation: Building Brands by Killing Frogs"

I found this article to be extremely interesting and I agreed with most of what the author was saying.  He explained that innovation is about looking at the broader picture, requires the ability to be able to apply concepts to different situations (analogize), and depends on a person's insights.  I definetly agree that those who are innovative do not think in narrow terms and instead are able to use their insights from all aspects of life.  I also agree that those who are innovative are able to anticipate others' behavior ("theory of mind").  I especially agree with the author that a person's frame of mind determines whether or not they are innovative.  the author stated "Data and even information do not produce insight unless they are combined with a lens, default mode, or frame of reference that act as an organizing principle."  I particularly like this statement because I agree that just facts, data, or any kind of information is only useful to a certain extent unless its combined with insights, creativity, and a frame of mind to draw further conclusions.  This quote reminded me a lot of the article reviews we do in our class (and other classes).  The point of them isn't to just state the facts or the ideas introduced; instead we are supposed to use our personal lens, frame of mind, and our insights to draw further conclusions that aren't spelled out for us.  However, I do not think that innovation, insight, the ability to analogize, thinking in broader terms, and being able to anticipate others' behavior is something that can easily be taught.  I believe it can be taught to some extent but never mastered and instead is something people are either inherently good at or not.  I feel like there are people who either "get it" or don't.

I thought this was an excellent article for Organizational Theory and Behavior because mangement is an area that does in fact require all of the attributes discussed.  Managers who are unable to grasp and practice these concepts are not nearly as successful or enjoyable to work for as those who are. 

I found this article to be VERY intersting and enjoyed reading it.  The author said a lot of things that I have thought about before but had trouble verbalizing and putting into words.  Question for OB students: do you think innovation, a frame of mind, insight, and the ability to think in general terms and apply concepts to different situations is something that can be taught and learned?