One way to a better way

In almost any given scenario, whether it be making an ad or throwing free throws or starting a new fast-food chain, there will always be people who have gone along that route before you.

People who have experienced maybe the same problems you’re struggling with now. Who, through trial and error, have already figured out a better way.

A more efficient system. Less prone to error. Easier.

It can be tempting for the aspiring change maker, entrepreneur or up and coming whoever, to try to reinvent everything.

But, if you think about it, that’s not how real innovation works. Steve Jobs didn’t reinvent the phone, he just added a touchscreen and internet and user-friendly software. And Elon isn’t reinventing the car, let alone a electric powered one. He’s just making an EV cool enough people want to buy, and making it affordable too.

You don’t reinvent the wheel, metaphorically. You just figure how to make it faster, safer, cheaper, more reliable, better designed, etc.

Thus, when making anything, from widgets to organizations, it’s always best to start by examining the competition. To acknowledge what works: the systems, the strategies, the techniques.

See the rules. Abandon one. Keep the rest.

It’s easier to stumble upon a significant breakthrough when you give up trying to change everything, and instead focus on making one facet, remarkably better.