Discussion: Values of Validated and Credible Communication

Communication + talent = Innovation

Communication is critical to every aspect of life, but innovation and communication are directly linked; all innovation originates from shared human knowledge and satisfies some need. And the invention of communication technologies, starting with the invention of language, has spurred further innovations as knowledge and needs were communicated. Today, innovation is especially important for companies to maintain market positioning that was once considered secure as emerging competing innovations can disrupt an entire industry practically overnight.

Garbage in = Garbage out

Engineering and technology in the digital age have become so complex and interdisciplinary to a degree that restricts the innovation and invention that can be achieved by an individual. The originator of innovation is rarely one person and therefore innovation is a collaborative process. Any collaborative process requires a validated and credible system of communication to effectively complete its function. A team that does not communicate effectively is prone to mistakes, misunderstandings, and any number of inefficiencies that result from information being withheld or incorrect.

Diverse teams=Diverse perspectives.

Historically, widely adopted inventions were created by the privileged class that had access to education, time and resources with which to experiment, and the means to distribute, produce, or implement the innovation. As accessibility to knowledge becomes more equitable and individuals can communicate with a greater number of people more effectively, local and global innovations are more readily achieved and shared. Companies that have embraced inclusion and diversity have tapped into the idea that ideas can come from anywhere and anyone. New and diverse perspectives offer opportunities and insight that would otherwise be overlooked.

Communication includes Listening.

Organizations can communicate in many ways with their consumers but should always listen as well. Many innovative changes have resulted from the valuable feedback received from the real people that use their product or service; unexpected uses, modifications, failures, suggestions, praise, criticisms are all useful to innovation.