The structured world of business and science, often prioritize protocol and strict adherence to guidelines before pursuing new ideas. However, some of the greatest discoveries and innovations in history were born out of intuition, experimentation, and the willingness to challenge conventional wisdom. The process of “innovating first, then post-rationalizing” reflects a crucial cycle that drives creativity, breakthrough thinking, and long-term success.
This article explores the importance of allowing innovation to come first, with examples from groundbreaking scientific discoveries and business innovation, and critiques the current environment that demands protocol before creativity.
Why Innovation Needs to Lead the Way
Innovation is the foundation of progress. Throughout history, the most transformative discoveries and ideas were initially born out of a creative spark, without the complete understanding of how or why they worked. It’s only after the initial breakthrough that scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators rationalized the discovery and developed frameworks to explain it.
This process isn’t a new phenomenon. Many famous innovations began as ideas that defied protocol or established logic, and over time, researchers and thinkers worked backward to understand the reasoning behind them.
Let’s explore four examples that highlight how innovation often precedes rationalization:
1. Albert Einstein’s Theory of Relativity
Innovation First:
Einstein’s work on relativity didn’t start with a set of equations or a well-defined framework. Rather, he thought beyond the confines of classical physics, developing his ideas through abstract thought experiments that pushed the boundaries of known science. He challenged established paradigms by imagining new ways to understand space, time, and gravity.
Post-Rationalization:
Once Einstein introduced his theory, it took years for the scientific community to fully grasp and mathematically validate his ideas. Detailed models, equations, and experiments were later developed to support and prove the theory. The innovation came first, and the rational explanation followed.
2. The Invention of the Airplane
Innovation First:
The Wright brothers didn’t have a comprehensive theory of aerodynamics when they first started experimenting with flight. Instead, they employed trial and error, testing different designs, ideas, and materials. Their willingness to experiment in the face of uncertainty allowed them to make the leap that would change history.
Post-Rationalization:
After the Wright brothers achieved flight, engineers and scientists took their designs apart, studying aerodynamics and the principles behind their success. They developed mathematical models and scientific explanations to understand why their invention could fly. The breakthrough came first, and the rationalization followed later.
3. The Discovery of Penicillin
Innovation First:
Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin was an accident, not a planned innovation. He noticed that mold growing in one of his petri dishes was killing bacteria. This observation led to one of the most significant medical breakthroughs of the 20th century. He didn’t set out to discover antibiotics; rather, he stumbled upon it through an unexpected observation.
Post-Rationalization:
Once penicillin’s properties were recognized, scientists worked to understand its chemical composition and its effectiveness as an antibiotic. They developed methods to extract it and eventually synthesized it in mass quantities, turning a serendipitous discovery into a life-saving medicine.
4. Steve Jobs and the iPhone
Innovation First:
Steve Jobs and his team at Apple didn’t follow a rigid protocol when developing the iPhone. Instead, they took existing technologies and combined them in unexpected ways. Jobs envisioned a product that was intuitive, revolutionary, and different from anything on the market. The iPhone was born from this initial spark of innovation rather than from a clear roadmap.
Post-Rationalization:
After the iPhone became a success, engineers and tech experts examined the device to understand why it resonated so deeply with consumers. The seamless integration of hardware and software, along with its intuitive touch interface, became the standard for future smartphone development.
The Problem with Protocol-Driven Innovation
While these examples show the power of “innovating first, then rationalizing later,” many modern industries prioritize strict adherence to protocol and procedure before creativity can flourish. This emphasis on following established rules before even experimenting stifles innovation, and companies and industries become less likely to take the risks that lead to breakthroughs.
For example, in many corporate environments, innovation is often treated as a secondary concern. Projects are often hindered by rigid protocols, industry standards, and budgetary constraints that discourage out-of-the-box thinking. In the world of scientific research, there’s also a growing trend of adhering to pre-established methodologies and focusing on incremental improvements rather than large leaps.
The culture of “protocol first” creates an environment where ideas must be fully rationalized before being implemented. This approach can be detrimental to the spirit of creativity and experimentation, which is the essence of true innovation.
The Power of Intuition and Experimentation
The human brain is uniquely suited to make intuitive leaps. It can form connections between disparate ideas, even when there’s no formal explanation or established methodology to support those ideas. By encouraging an environment that allows for spontaneous innovation, we allow space for creativity to flow freely.
In contrast, mathematics and algorithms typically require structured, step-by-step approaches to reach conclusions. While this is necessary for some fields, it can also hinder breakthrough thinking when applied too rigidly. True innovation comes when we are willing to break the mold and experiment without knowing exactly how or why something will work.
Fostering a Culture of Innovation
To foster innovation, businesses and organizations need to rethink their approach to protocol. Rather than insisting on structure and rationalization first, we should create an environment where creativity and intuition can be explored freely. Only then can we make the breakthroughs that will drive industries forward.
Some companies have already started adopting this philosophy. Instead of focusing on process-driven innovation, they are encouraging experimentation and learning from failure. When creative minds are given the freedom to explore without the constraints of rigid protocol, innovation can thrive.
Conclusion: Embrace Innovation Before Protocol
History has shown that the most significant breakthroughs often arise when creativity leads, and logic follows. From Einstein to Apple, some of the world’s most revolutionary ideas were born from the freedom to experiment, to innovate first, and to rationalize later. The current environment, however, often stifles innovation by demanding that protocols and rational explanations precede the creative process. To remain competitive and forward-thinking, businesses and industries need to prioritize innovation over protocol, enabling creativity to flourish before rigid rules are imposed.
By challenging this norm, we can ensure that the next wave of breakthroughs will come not from strict adherence to protocol, but from daring to innovate without knowing exactly where the journey will lead.
