“The more you are like yourself, the less you are like anyone else, which makes you unique.” — Walt Disney

This quote is quite appropriate given my recent blog entries (and this one too).

This is great advice for any organization that wants to be more innovative.

I play golf — not well, but I play golf. My handicap is in double digits. For me to shoot par would be a dream. But for Tiger Woods, par would be a nightmare.

I am reminded of this comparison when I see companies that are satisfied to focus on their understanding of “par,” otherwise known as best practice. It was once an admirable aim, but is not sufficient today. Your competitors are more like Tiger Woods than they are like me. Par won’t keep you alive in the current environment.

Instead of copying what worked for someone else, find what makes you distinctive and target your innovation efforts there.