GMC News
Word of the Week: Innovation
Georgia Military College Prep School
Word of the Week: Innovation
Week of January 24 – 30, 2016
Definition: a change or improvement to a device, process or custom resulting from thought, study or experimentation
Quotable Quotes:
“Since we live in an age of innovation, a practical education must prepare a man for work that does not yet exist and cannot yet be clearly defined.” – Peter F. Drucker
“The world leaders in innovation and creativity will also be world leaders in everything else.” – Harold R. McAlindon
“The innovation point is the pivotal moment when talented and motivated people seek the opportunity to act on their ideas and dreams” – W. Arthur Porter
Let’s Get to the Point:
I guarantee this virtue has many a married man in mind. Gentlemen, think of all those times you have come up with a creative idea or plan to get out of something your spouse has asked of you! Innovation requires everyone from inventors to thinkers to everyday people to think outside of the box to solve a problem. Innovations in modern technology have made our lives easier, or lazier depending on the way you look at it. But with that being said, we all have certain innovations that we are thankful for every day. Indoor plumbing, modern medicine, and the Internet are a few of those we cherish the most.
Putting Words into Action:
Many of today’s modern conveniences come from someone else’s innovative ideas. Can you imagine the world without the Internet? Could you live without Facebook? Or how about a couple of key strokes and you can check the weather here or afar, order a present to be delivered across the country from Amazon, and still watch your favorite cat videos on YouTube! If it were not for those forward thinkers who we consider to be innovators, how would you keep up with your second cousin in Ypsilanti, Michigan?
Think About It:
Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M) uses the slogan “Innovation.” They are a leading manufacturer of thousands of items from automotive to construction to the ever famous Sticky Note. They are definitely a true definition of this week’s virtue. You too could be known for this trait by getting out there and trying new things. Just think you may tweak a current invention that makes the difference in millions of lives and maybe even be in an infomercial!
Reflection:
Bill Gates once stated, “Never before in history has innovation offered promise of so much to so many in so short of time.” Innovation is in everyday life because there is always something new or different introduced. For example, fast food restaurants are always trying to add something new to their menu to get you to come and eat there. And it seems in education that every year the curriculum changes to something new or different. I believe everyday people should try something new or different to surprise those around them or help change something. You do not want to be the same old, same old, every day person because eventually it is going to get boring and that is not a very good character virtue to have. If you become innovative then life is going to be much more fulfilling. You will be happier and you will also become a better leader. As the bumper sticker says “If you are not the lead dog, then the scenery never changes.” Be the leader so you can be the visionary and set the pace.
General Caldwell once posed this question in a meeting with this year’s senior class, “You have to be a leader. What’s your legacy going to be?” Well to create a legacy we as a senior class have to put ideas together and become innovative. The Class of 2016 as not been known as the most school spirited class, but if we have innovation and become creative or different then people will remember us what we have accomplished both on the athletic fields and in the classroom. I believe every day we wake up we should ask ourselves, “How am I going to be innovative today? Yesterday is in the past and this is the now. What can I do to introduce something new or different?” You cannot be serious in life all the time. Sometimes to be innovative you have to be a little childish. Joline Godfrey once said, “All work and no play doesn’t just make Jack and Jill dull, it kills the potential of discovery, mastery, and openness to change and flexibility and it hinders innovation and invention.” Do not be a dull Jack or Jill, have the potential to discover something new.
C/SFC Steven Bloodworth is a student at Georgia Military College Prep School
