12

Mar

2008

Google's nine principles of innovation

Google is now a world leader in both IT and business.  Its consistent ability to innovate and re-invent whole industries has allowed it to reach its current pre-eminent position.

When you think about it what Google has achieved is pretty awe-inspiring. To name but a few:

  1. Being there right at the start of the search engine game
  2. Surviving the IT boom when so many other companies lost their head
  3. Completely re-inventing web based advertising as a bottom-up exercise for many small businesses, rather than a top down for just a few mega-rich businesses
  4. Innovating with their search engine technology to the point where they almost have no real competition at all

I'm sure the real list is much bigger.

Anyway there was a great article in the Age, detailing the recipe for this success. Here's a summary, and commentary

1. Ideas come from everywhere

Its an open source world.  Ideas are floating around everywhere, and you are contributing to them. All it takes is not being defensive when it comes to giving and receiving information and value.

2. Share as much information as you can

There are plenty of examples of this now in the IT world, and wider afield too.  By being open and expansive with your IP the net affect appears to always be an increase in profitability, not a loss.  Google 'wikinomics' to find out more.

3. We hire brilliant people

Pretty obvious. But it is surprising what a sucking affect Google has on the world wide IT market. They really do get to draw on the best and brightest from the global IT market.

4. Pursue your dreams

This is so true. Even in our small business - setting time aside for personal projects, and exploration pays off.  The number of times opportunity knocks 'just' after someone has done some interesting work their play time is extraordinary.  Plus it means that we are having fun at work.

5. Innovation, not instant perfection.

Like everything in business, its evolution, not revolution.

6. Data is A-political

7. Creativity loves constraints

8. It's about customers, not money

9. Don't kill projects, morph them

Read the whole article here

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