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Frankly, Surf is Innovation !
Let's see why.
Before riding a new spot, we have to take into account the conditions, weather, stream, tides, reef or sand...we also need to evaluate our physic conditions ...then how we will paddle to reach the spot, where are the others surfers...
Why ? Because there are risk and stakes to "hurt or be hurted" by other surfers , or to make a kiss to the reef... it's the same for innovation: if we have no ideas about conditions and stakes of our market, we will not be able to pass the Death Valley (Lean Startup)
We are not alone in the water, that's why it's really important to find our place in the environment. It's a deal to manage between others surfers, waves peaks positions and our capabilities. Innovation is the same, we have to find our place by knowing about competitors positions and tendency in order to envision the future.
now we are ready, looking for the next wave. Will I take this one, or the next one? Will the wave is closing or opening ? Is it a left or wright ? Will I manage the size, the power? For none of the question we have exact the answer, we can only envision the situation. And bet a little bit on our Intuition, while respecting the context and stakes.
New wave is coming and it looks like it's your one ! It's preparation time, with an ultimate check of surfers around. Then decision to go.
When choice is done, we have to turn 180 degrees. Now the FUTURE (the wave) is coming behind us ! We have to paddle strongly in order to be on time, feeling the power of the wave starting to slope us.
Innovators are thinking a lot about their concept before to go, but decision is the only way to make it happen. If they think that the wave is the good one, they will feel It.
Stand up is all about the right moment, the right speed, the right energy, the right balance. It's a pure instant.
Innovators have to reach and feel this moment when innovation project or startup is Standing Up.
Step 6: ENJOY THE WAVEIt's hard to describe how surfing a wave is ! Playing with the elements like a dolphin is something special and unique !
We could say : Customer have signed the contract ! Competitors did not took your waves, you are surfing and it's essential to enjoy and stay focus in order to ride as long as possible...
Every wave as an end, due to reef or due to the end of the water energy or a mistake from the surfer. what ever It's the time to leave, recognize that it was good, and paddle again to reach the peak !
ITERATION is key if we want to keep alive.
Wishing you good waves
Fabien Beth
Innovation, Creativity, Coaching
Founder of FlexforYou
Article wrote from Uluwatu, Bali.