Being an idea person has to be balanced with the need to be pragmatic. An architect may have a visual concept but the engineer needs to ensure that the structure can be built and the fiscal mind also needs to assure the feasability. The enthusiasm for novelty and innovation is great but should be tempered with that proviso. In a colourless world to let go and reach for the rainbow may find that the rainbow has moved . Style without substance is always a void. Substance undergirds the confidence to move any idea forward. Will see….
” “Governments are going to be more and more required to pursue innovative solutions to meet public policy goals,” says Brian Anderson, an assistant professor at the Richard Ivey School of Business who specializes in entrepreneurial creativity and innovation. “Economies are more volatile, tax revenue is more volatile. It is not feasible to simply draw back into the well and say let’s just raise taxes.”
The overarching issue, however, is to stack up risks against rewards. Being able to generate new ideas is an important part of the entrepreneurial process, but it’s not all of it, says Mr. Anderson. An organization has to ask: does it create value for someone? Is it economically feasible? Is there a need for it? Is it really solving a problem and is it sustainable over the long term?
Whether it’s the boardroom, or a council chamber, the same principles apply. The difference with government, theoretically out to make decisions in the public’s best interest, is that there may be a lower tolerance for failure, says Mr. Anderson, and therefore perhaps more aversion to gambling on something new.”
via Doug Ford, the Idea Man | Posted Toronto | National Post.
