Darren Hardy, the editor of Success Magazine, wrote a blog recently titled Innovate or Die. Although he wrote it for entrepreneurs and business people I felt it was very appropriate for all law enforcement trainers and so I thought I would share part of it. The following in an excerpt from that post:
So what is innovation? Innovation is not a task, project or something you only do at an off-site meeting. Innovation is a constant mindset and perspective. It’s a way of looking at the world. Instead of seeing what is, it is looking for what could be. Being an innovator is seeking the greater potential in every person, in every situation, process, experience and outcome. The fundamental desire of an innovator is to help, serve and solve.
Where do you start? Innovation doesn’t come from a study of mechanics, systems, processes, technologies or strategies, as many might assume. Innovation comes from a study of people, how they live, what they want and what they need. Innovation is about constantly finding more ways to add value to the lives of other people.
Additionally, I will tell you innovation is not coming up with ideas; ideas are creative, which is good, but to be an innovator, you have to be one who implements ideas. As Theodore Levitt said, “Creativity is thinking up new things. Innovation is doing new things.” An innovator goes beyond creativity by transforming ideas into actual progress, into marketable products or services that have so much value that people will trade their hard-earned dollars to obtain them.
The question then for you as a trainer is what are you doing to innovate? In the post Hardy is referring to people’s businesses dying. In our world our officers may die – huge difference. I believe that innovation is more critical than ever in today’s world due to severe cuts to many training budgets. As Hardy points out innovation goes beyond ideas; it is about implementation. Being able to implement new ideas for training with little or no budget is the sign of a true innovator. Remember you do not have to do this alone. Reach out to other trainers from other agencies, other fields and other locales and find out what they are doing. If you belong to ILEETA (which every law enforcement trainer should) then get on their Facebook page or their forums and connect with other trainers who are facing the same issues. Send me information on what you are doing and I will share your ideas with others through the blog. Collectively we are always stronger and smarter than we are by ourselves.
P.S. Check out the great lineup for the 2010 Legacy of Excellence Conference atwww.brianw260.sg-host.com and take advantage of the current prices.
Take care.
Brian Willis
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