Comments on: Michael Ventris, the Decipherment of Linear B, and the Value of Cross-Fertilization http://quriosity.com/2009/11/21/michael-ventris-the-decipherment-of-linear-b-and-the-value-of-cross-fertilization/ Things to think about Tue, 13 Jul 2010 01:59:11 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: Three Innovation Distinctions (Part 3): Diversity not Homogeneity | Business Innovation Speaker and Consultant Stephen Shapiro http://quriosity.com/2009/11/21/michael-ventris-the-decipherment-of-linear-b-and-the-value-of-cross-fertilization/#comment-171 Three Innovation Distinctions (Part 3): Diversity not Homogeneity | Business Innovation Speaker and Consultant Stephen Shapiro Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:17:11 +0000 http://quriosity.com/?p=374#comment-171 [...] back, I spoke with Al Bredenberg, Senior Researcher from ILO Institute. He subsequently wrote an excellent blog entry on the topic of diversity where he quotes me. He also mentions a Harvard Business Review article by [...] [...] back, I spoke with Al Bredenberg, Senior Researcher from ILO Institute. He subsequently wrote an excellent blog entry on the topic of diversity where he quotes me. He also mentions a Harvard Business Review article by [...]

]]> By: Stephen Shapiro http://quriosity.com/2009/11/21/michael-ventris-the-decipherment-of-linear-b-and-the-value-of-cross-fertilization/#comment-148 Stephen Shapiro Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:35:49 +0000 http://quriosity.com/?p=374#comment-148 Fantastic article! Some really great insights. And of course I like be quoted. A couple of quick points about diversity... 1. Homogeneous teams do perform more efficiently and are better for short-term growth. When people think alike, they can get things done more quickly. 2. Heterogeneous teams with different "styles" - when configured properly, perform better in the long run. The important point is that the diversity is based on style not discipline. 3. I agree that breakthrough ideas come from diversity of discipline, but it is not sustainable for an organization. This is why Open Innovation is so valuable for developing these types of solutions. You don't need to have the diversity in house. So, I just want to be clear that I am not advocating you have a company of people with too many disciplines. I am advocating a diversity of skills associated with the various steps of the innovation process. Thanks for a thought provoking article. Fantastic article! Some really great insights. And of course I like be quoted. A couple of quick points about diversity…

1. Homogeneous teams do perform more efficiently and are better for short-term growth. When people think alike, they can get things done more quickly.

2. Heterogeneous teams with different “styles” – when configured properly, perform better in the long run. The important point is that the diversity is based on style not discipline.

3. I agree that breakthrough ideas come from diversity of discipline, but it is not sustainable for an organization. This is why Open Innovation is so valuable for developing these types of solutions. You don’t need to have the diversity in house.

So, I just want to be clear that I am not advocating you have a company of people with too many disciplines. I am advocating a diversity of skills associated with the various steps of the innovation process.

Thanks for a thought provoking article.

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