Disruption, dislodgement and optimism...

"Networking" is quite possibly the most overused word around, but that doesn't make it any less important; that's why it's overused I suppose.

This is what I recently found myself involved with as we were looking for "perspective and insight" regarding a new technology in the molecular diagnostic space. After a good deal of discussion, many questions, and some stunning visuals, we asked for some candid feedback. 

To that he simply said, "I have three words for you - Disruption, dislodgement and optimism". 

He went on to elaborate:

Disruption: How disruptive is your technology over the current technology? Is your technology different enough to consider adopting and change from what is currently being used? The more disruptive the technology, the more inherent advantages there are for switching, and the more likely you will see adoption. He went on to say this ultimately applies to anything, be it an idea, technology or process, and had found innovation and disruption are more or less synonymous.

Dislodgement: What are you going to do to dislodge the incumbent (be it a competitor or how something is being done), and have your technology adopted? The less disruptive your technology, the more difficult it will be to dislodge the current way of thinking (if not impossible); whereas something of a disruptive nature (with advantages) has a better chance of dislodging the current technology or way of thinking. It was pointed out not to underestimate how difficult it is to dislodge the current way of thinking, and it takes hard work, creativity and tenacity. 

And this brought us to optimism: We were reminded that by nature humans are overly optimistic and believe what we have is the most "innovative and disruptive,and has the ability to dislodge any incumbent" . He also reminded us that facts and data win the day; in the same breath though he went on to say it is optimism that enables people to do amazing things, and we should never lose it.

In parting, he mentioned we should call him in a couple of weeks as he knows someone we should talk to. The networking continues.

I am very optimistic.

iamgpe

www.gpestratagem.com