We have all become very used to seeing ourselves in the mirror. Every morning, we look for small signs of aging and hope that other blemishes already tagged as possible aging signs have disappeared from yesterday’s viewing displeasure. When these tagged blemishes are spotted again, we mutter something about growing old, but find comfort in seeing the same person in the mirror – every time we look. To be comforted and coddled might be a good thing, but the reality is that the man in the mirror is only going to grow older and feebler, as time goes on.

Are companies the same way? Nowadays, the new power word is “innovation”. If a company can become innovative, the idea is that the company will race past the competition to become the market leader. To show a commitment to this new paradigm, many companies have changed the “Chief Technical Officer” title to “Chief Innovation Officer”. This title change might be a quick way to cover a tagged blemish spotted yesterday. However, like the man, the company is still comforted and coddled by seeing itself the same way in the mirror every day with only superficial changes actually tolerated.

In my job search, I’ve noticed a simple way to see how innovative a company really is. Read their job postings! Most job postings still ask for job experience that is so specific, you can picture the HR department looking into the previous person’s mirror to figure out what to ask for from prospective employees. It’s a sure way to stifle innovation, yet it is being done by companies who consider themselves innovative.

I suggest that Chief Innovation Officers sign off on new job posting descriptions at their companies, if they want to encourage innovation from the ground up. Decide what specific information in the job posting can be replaced by some in-house training. Place more emphasis on finding creative, innovative and passionate people. Look in the mirror and be comfortable seeing a completely different person looking back at you. It is the only way that companies in today’s fast paced environment can keep from growing older and feebler as time goes on. Who’s the company in the mirror?

Posted by my Friend, Doug Malech  <dmalech123@gmail.com>