Innovation Curve: Guiding People Through the Process of Acceptance

Description

Any idea, practice, or artifacts that is ‘perceived as new’ could be considered an innovation. No innovation is widely adopted instantaneously. It takes time for that innovation to diffuse. The process of adopting an innovation into widespread use happens on a curve—slowly, at first, then with a glut of acceptance in the middle and a slow tail at the end (when the innovation is widely adopted. Consider, for example, how once-troublesome it was to introduce a drum set to church worship; or preaching from a Bible translation other than the KJV; or the broad acceptance in a congregation of the two key creative impulses (never repeat an idea; always change for the sake of change). Over time, these once-troublesome issues became commonplace…and ultimately passé.

This curriculum will help you understand the process through which an innovation takes hold—both in individuals and in organizations; learn to strategize how best to guide through the process, so resistance is minimized and clear communication leads the way; and cultivate both patience and anticipation for the ultimate and eventual implementation of new ideas, practices, and artifacts.