Seth's ideas have always tended to be out on the edge. This is by design. I think he's right. In order to give people the confidence to innovate and develop "soft innovations" that will sell their products, services or experiences Seth talks about employees and their tendancy to want to simply be safe, keep their heads down and just follow instructions. Again, it's one of the many Free Prizes in the book. Seth takes it beyond normal marketing discussions and talks about how people view their own jobs and roles within an organization.
Thinking:You say white-collar workers should not just be following instructions. Are bosses truly waiting for their people to break out and create soft innovations or do they want employees who just do what they are told?Seth Godin: Both! They want to avoid risk and uncertainty, to make a profit and get promoted. BUT they also understand, deep down, that they’re paying people way too much to just follow instructions.
Every boss I’ve ever met wants people who work for her to push themselves, dig deep and hit a home run.
So bosses, is he right? Which do you value most, people who just follow instructions or people who dig deep and swing for the fences?
I am doing a science fair project on seeing if people can follow instructions, so far only nobody can seem to get it right. Is it natural? Can you tell me some backrounds behind that?
Posted by: Christina | Saturday, November 19, 2005 at 07:38 PM