Malcolm Gladwell (Picture Courtesy: Wikipedia.org)
Malcolm Gladwell, author of Blink, Tipping Point and Outliers spoke about his views on innovation at the global customer meet in Orlando this year where the theme was “I have an idea”.
For innovation, being an outsiders is a very important position, status and characteristic.
Story of a doctor Gertrude Elion during Korean war at the National Cancer Institute, a hematologist by profession meets Gordon Zubrod, a specialist. In 1950, child leukemia was incurable , and most dreaded, children suffering bled from every orifice, it was 100% fatal in 6 weeks, any hospital where child leukemia was treated, there was blood everywhere. It was too depressing. Only four known drugs existed and none could cure but could prolong the death in different ways. In four weeks the cancer became resistant again. The drugs were poisonous and it was said that one should not even bother, any invasive cancer was incurable, all drugs where ineffective in the long run.
Gertrude Elion was fresh out of medical college and was given charge of the children ward for leukemia. Each drug was modestly effective in a different way – curing, destroying cancerous cells. What if we combine, she thought- what if I sent airforce, navy,army together, each are poisons- four drugs in combination. They are highly toxic in different ways- one caused paralysis, one caused the face to swell up, one destroyed the bone marrow. May be their side effects are manageable she thought. This was a new idea at the time. Today, we do it all the time and dispense drugs like antibiotics in a combination. these are broad spectrum drugs.She had no time for animal trials, she had no time to determine what dosage, or algorithm, as kids were dying, she had nothing to lose.
What will happen, she thought. Anyone would have been afraid of this kind of experimentation. it would make news such as -“Scientist at National Hospital gives toxic drugs to children”. She had 20 different kids under care who were to die anyway in 4 weeks. She thought why not try the combination and manage the side effects. First she goes with 10 kids , first weekend one girl falls very sick but she pulls through after lot of care. She had to infuse blood to everyone, there were no concept of blood platelets at the time. She did not sleep through the period and spend time by side of the girl. Slowly she saw 2nd, 3rd ,4th and 5th kid pull through. She had finally developed drug protocol for 100% cure. Today numbers of people saved are 100′ s of thousands. Pattern of combination drugs was very creative at the time. It completely transformed leukemia treatments and other treatments as well.
Jeff Bezos in Amazon, Galileo,Einstein. We dwell on their brilliance. Their ability to see something was extraordinary. These people were on the fringes of the world. Real lesson is that the risks they took were not professional but real risk was social.
For Elion , rest of world thought she was a Nazi doctor. Young doctors from Harvard were warned – don’t go near Elion and Zubrod, people used to heckle them from the back, roundly denounced by their peers, we see that pattern again and again. They were taking a social risk, They stuck to their stance that I am right you are wrong and were dismissed by their peers.
Taking social risks is the hardest thing that a human being can do. One emotion one cannot stand is the emotion of contempt by others. Humans are hardwired to not take social risks. For children, every crazy stupid thing which is approved by their peers, who think it is cool, is okay for them. Men and women from London to Los Angeles want to sleep with socially acceptable persons, who are stars, however strange be their behaviour.
Michael Lewis is an American non-fiction author and financial journalist. His bestselling books include The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine, Liar’s Poker, The New Thing, Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game, The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game, Panic.
During the financial crises everyone was predicting that housing market will continue to rise, It was running almost 40% above norm but nobody dared to challenge the same. People got bonuses by following the advice and continuing to provide loans even when it was unviable.
Michael was the first person to directly call the housing market over heated. He advised his investors to come out of housing market even when they feared that they would lose billions of dollars in potential profits. Who is in best position to do that. It is outsider, who has least social status to protect, mostly who were not in Wall Street.
Gordon Zubrod was as different, a lousy public school in Georgetown, he did not care, he was not one of them Ivy league doctors. How to get kids to stop them bleeding to death. To transfuse them with fresh blood platelets, he used huge sausages filled with blood. He used it like watering a flower-pot with a flower hose. Senior officials got furious, he kept doing it. I don’t want to work if it did not give him freedom, he did not want to go to Yale.
Being outsiders gives innovator freedom. What was it that gave him the idea. Keep searching for the right drug and develop the drugs. What we got is good enough, key is putting in right combination. It comes from world of infectious disease like you gave TB patient, two antibiotics otherwise bacteria would become drug resistance. Later three drugs became standard treatment. Why was he able to see connection because they were outsiders , they did not conform and stay with stereo type. They were generalist, went to lunch with infectious diseases people and therefore by virtue of being an outsider with others experiences they could apply the same to their fields.
Desperation is another key component required for Innovation. Gordon and Elion were desperate, why not, 10 kids who would be dead in 10 days. History’s most fruitful period was during and just after WW-II as desperation was very high. Huge number of death with cancer and specially child cancer were the tone of desperation, only a fraction of resources were available. No budget was available. They did not have money for staff nurses. They wrote the protocol on piece of paper containing 4 double space pages. Today boxes of 24 feet high paper are required to file for new drugs, several million dollars. It requirements were nowhere near the levels of today. Kids sitting around in shoe strings budgets have brought about innovations. Being an outsider gives you motivation. We see that pattern again and again.
Ingvar Kamprad, founder of Ikea, the furniture retail store. He found that extraordinary amount of money was spent in shipping and assembly of furniture. He invented a concept of selling do it yourself knocked down kits and saved money on assembly as well as transportation. He started to undersell his products against competitors. All furniture manufactures refused to make furniture for him and boycotted him. Rather than comply with traditional ways he moved right across to Poland which had 500 years of worth of wood and forest. His move to Poland for manufacturing revived Ikea which rose from ashes (almost bankruptcy) and undercut its competitors by 70%. The notion was revolutionary. No one wanted to go to Poland at the time. In 1961, tension was at its highest, West and East were furthest apart and he decided to setup a factory there. People thought he was a traitor. Why did he do it? He was an outsider, he had no stake in the game, he was excluded in the world,he had no options as he was desperate and on the periphery. He did quickly as he was desperate. His company would have been in ruins otherwise.
Story of Bekaa Valley air battle of 1982, Israel airforce shot 87 airplanes and at cost of three airplanes, first country to combine three technologies, precision guided missiles, AWACS controls and drones. The strikes were conducted like an orchestra. It was also called the Bekaa Valley turkey shoot and started a whole new concept of warfare. Why was Israel first to use this concept . All the three technologies were invented in the USA. They had a dire need to do it, they are a tiny beleaguered country. On the first day of Egyptian war they got obliterated, next 9 years were spent in scouring for solutions. Desperation gave them motivation to look for solution.
One always faces difficulty, every time one takes steps in different directions. If we gave traditional thinkers ( or social insiders) more money they would not do better or worse. They get locked into a notion of moving from outside to inside. It is common knowledge that if you see most of the noble prizes or inventions or innovations they are not high from Havard, Yale, or Wharton Business Schools, or advice from McKinsey or a Lehman ask as these are all bound in tradition.
When we look at super human nature of our educational system, change the system from encouraging bucking the trend to think innovation. Unexplored and significant dangers are caused by having a highly stratified educational system. Institutions take the best and brightest, high costs reduce benefits, they come out with same standard , taught by same people. Instead we should get multiple different trainings in multiple disciplines. At age of 7, kids will go through every narrow band. Get people to think differently we can help by breaking up the establishment. Think of why it is a bad thing to send your child to an elite school. It has been statistically proven that most innovation is not concentrated round the Ivy league schools but quite evenly dispersed.
Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it,
you’re a great author.I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and definitely will come back down the road. I want to encourage you to continue your great work, have a nice evening!
Bravo, seems remarkable idea to me is
You should check this out…
I simply want to say I’m new to weblog and truly enjoyed this blog. More than likely I’m likely to bookmark your blog . You really have superb articles. Bless you for sharing your blog site.
Hi there! I just want to give you a big thumbs up for your excellent info you have got right here on this post. I will be returning to your website for more soon.
Aw, this was a very good post. Finding the time and actual effort to create a top notch article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and don’t manage to get anything done.
Your style is very unique in comparison to other folks I have read stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I’ll just bookmark this site.
Excellent site you have got here.. It’s difficult to find good quality writing like yours nowadays. I seriously appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
You need to be a part of a contest for one of the greatest blogs on the web. I am going to recommend this blog!
Saved as a favorite, I really like your blog!
I’m amazed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s both educative and interesting, and without a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The problem is something which too few people are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy I came across this during my hunt for something concerning this.
Very nice write-up. I definitely appreciate this website. Continue the good work!
I’m more than happy to discover this great site. I need to to thank you for ones time just for this wonderful read!! I definitely loved every bit of it and I have you bookmarked to look at new information in your blog.
That is a good tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere. Short but very precise information… Many thanks for sharing this one. A must read post!
There is certainly a lot to learn about this issue. I like all of the points you’ve made.
Good article. I absolutely love this site. Stick with it!
Right here is the perfect webpage for anybody who hopes to understand this topic. You understand a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I personally will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a fresh spin on a subject which has been written about for many years. Great stuff, just excellent!
Your style is really unique in comparison to other people I have read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will just book mark this blog.
I was on Twitter looking for Neiko Tools Specials when I found a link to this blog, happy I stopped by Cheers
Hello! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group? There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content. Please let me know. Cheers
Excellent post but I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Kudos!
The following time I learn a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as a lot as this one. I imply, I do know it was my choice to learn, but I actually thought youd have one thing attention-grabbing to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about one thing that you could possibly repair in case you werent too busy on the lookout for attention.
Appreciating the time and energy you put into your website and in depth information you offer. It’s good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same old rehashed information. Great read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.
I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your blog. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme? Fantastic work!
I do like the manner in which you have framed this specific problem plus it does give me some fodder for consideration. Nevertheless, coming from just what I have experienced, I simply trust as other opinions pack on that people remain on issue and not get started upon a tirade involving some other news du jour. All the same, thank you for this outstanding piece and though I can not really go along with this in totality, I respect the point of view.
Hey! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone 3gs! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the great work!
Hello! I’ve been following your web site for a long time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Atascocita Texas! Just wanted to mention keep up the good job!
Hello there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a outstanding job!
I’m not sure why but this website is loading very slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a problem on my end? I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.
Hi! Quick question that’s completely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My weblog looks weird when browsing from my iphone. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to fix this problem. If you have any recommendations, please share. Thanks!
It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d most certainly donate to this superb blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to fresh updates and will share this site with my Facebook group. Chat soon!
I really like what you guys are usually up too. This sort of clever work and reporting! Keep up the very good works guys I’ve added you guys to blogroll.
Hey there this is kinda of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding experience so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated
coding experience is not necessary, I used wordpress
Howdy would you mind letting me know which web host you’re working with? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different internet browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you suggest a good web hosting provider at a reasonable price? Thanks, I appreciate it!
I am using GoDaddy.com
Great publish, very informative. I’m wondering why the opposite experts of this sector don’t understand this. You should continue your writing. I am sure, you have a great readers’ base already!|What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It absolutely helpful and it has aided me out loads. I am hoping to contribute and help different customers like its helped me. Good job.
Hi there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok. I’m undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.
Your can reach me on twitter @ rsodhi1
I’m no longer certain the place you are getting your info, however good topic. I must spend some time studying more or figuring out more. Thank you for magnificent information I used to be in search of this information for my mission.
Someone necessarily assist to make severely articles I would state. This is the first time I frequented your website page and to this point? I amazed with the analysis you made to create this actual publish incredible. Magnificent process!
I’ve been surfing online more than three hours as of late, but I by no means found any interesting article like yours. It’s beautiful worth enough for me. Personally, if all web owners and bloggers made excellent content material as you probably did, the web shall be much more useful than ever before.
Wow Amazing Blog!! I LOVE IT
Someone necessarily help to make significantly posts I would state. This is the very first time I frequented your web page and up to now? I amazed with the research you made to create this particular submit extraordinary. Fantastic job!
Terrific paintings! That is the kind of info that are supposed to be shared across the net. Shame on Google for not positioning this publish higher! Come on over and consult with my web site . Thank you =)
Hello! I would wish to supply a large thumbs up for your exceptional info you could have here about this post. I’ll be coming back to your weblog site for further soon.
I don’t typically comment but I gotta state thanks for the post on this excellent 1 : D.
Hi there, I discovered your site via Google even as looking for a related topic, your web site came up, it appears to be like great. I have added to favourites|added to bookmarks.
I completely realize what you might have explained. Really, I browsed throughout your several other content articles and I do believe that you are totally correct. Congrats with this particular weblog.
Great website! How did you get this design?
I have learn some just right stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how so much effort you put to make this sort of excellent informative site.
Howdy! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could get a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having problems finding one? Thanks a lot!
thanks for share!
Thank you for the information, and your webpage definitely looks wonderful. What word press design are you utilizing?
Currently the site is configured with Graphene theme which has also been extended. Thank you for appreciating the same. Any redesign suggestions are also welcome.
With havin so much written content do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright infringement? My website has a lot of exclusive content I’ve either authored myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my authorization. Do you know any techniques to help protect against content from being stolen? I’d really appreciate it.
I am focused on sharing my views and will feel happy if others adopt or contribute to the same
Nice one Rajiv, really inspirational