The Importance of Noncommissioned Work for Breakthroughs in Research and Innovation
Summary
In this article, we discuss the significance of noncommissioned work and how it can lead to breakthroughs in research and innovation. We highlight two examples of successful noncommissioned work initiatives and also warn about the potential dangers of such work.
Table of Contents
- The Genius Hour at a Credit Union in Washington State
- The Friday Evening Experiment at the University of Manchester
- The Importance of Failure and Unconventional Thinking
- The Dangers of Noncommissioned Work
- Conclusion
The Genius Hour at a Credit Union in Washington State
The first example we discuss is the “Genius Hour” at a credit union in Washington state. One of the employees created this weekly hour-long session for her team to brainstorm new ideas. During this time, they were free to work on whatever they wanted, without any specific goals or targets to meet. The results were remarkable, with the team coming up with innovative ideas that led to significant improvements in the credit union’s operations.
The Friday Evening Experiment at the University of Manchester
The second example we discuss is the “Friday Evening Experiment” at the University of Manchester. Two physicists set aside a few hours every week to try new things and experiment with unconventional ideas. During one of these sessions, they made a groundbreaking discovery about graphene, which eventually earned them a Nobel Prize. This is a perfect example of how noncommissioned work can lead to significant breakthroughs in research and innovation.
The Importance of Failure and Unconventional Thinking
One of the key takeaways from these examples is the importance of failure. Failure is often seen as a negative thing, but it is necessary for breakthroughs and disruption. Noncommissioned work provides a safe space for failure without risking company money. The speaker encourages unconventional thinking and adventure as the driving force behind human progress and disrupting the world.
The Dangers of Noncommissioned Work
However, noncommissioned work can also be dangerous. The speaker mentions one of the physicists who won an Ig Nobel Prize for his theory that living matter could be levitated in a powerful magnetic field. This theory was ridiculed and had no scientific basis, yet it was a result of the same Friday evening experiments that led to the Nobel Prize-winning discovery about graphene. This highlights the potential dangers of noncommissioned work and the need for caution.
Conclusion
In conclusion, noncommissioned work can be a powerful tool for breakthroughs in research and innovation. It provides a safe space for failure and encourages unconventional thinking. However, it is essential to approach noncommissioned work with caution and to be aware of the potential dangers. By balancing risk and reward, we can harness the power of noncommissioned work to drive progress and disrupt the world.
