“Necessity, who is the mother of invention.”
–Plato, The Republic
Greek author & philosopher in Athens (427 BC – 347 BC)
About now, you might be questioning the validity of Plato’s quote. After all, as humans we have the tendency to go with what we are most familiar with until we are forced to move on. And history shows that accidents, incremental changes, as well as lucky errors are the sources of many inventions: fire, penicillin, genetic engineering, domesticated plants and animals are to name a few… Yet innovation is not driven by necessity, but rather by the acknowledgment of the invention’s value: value to society or to the inventor in terms of money, fame, or a sense of personal accomplishment. Who knows how many great inventions were lost over the years, simply because they were before their time, unappreciated… Given that, necessity is neither a necessary nor a sufficient condition for invention.
However, it is necessity that drives the need for change which triggers the invention process. Case in point, the 1973 oil crisis. It was this and the 1930s oil crisis that stimulated the research and development of renewable energy sources, and initiated the goal to utilize existing resources more efficiently while reducing and eliminating waste. In fact, it was 1977 and on when solar energy finally left the confinements of the research institutes, becoming a DIY (do-it-yourself) phenomenon. At the White House, Jimmy Carter was the first American president to take decisive steps to promote solar energy and formulate an energy policy. He became a role model by introducing a solar water heating system for the White House in 1979. However, this sense of urgency and initiative to become more self-sufficient using renewable energy sources came to a halt during Reagan administration. With the oil crisis no longer seen as a threat, Reagan removed the solar panels in 1986. (Sorry, Out of Gas
Throughout history we see examples of people who recognized the necessity to change and take action, while others did not. Nokia, established in 1865, started by making paper as their original communications technology and is now the world leader in mobile phones. But then we have many others, such as US railroads and recently Motorola, that miss the necessity for change and have failed to diversify in order to prosper. People are natural problem solvers. However, some solve problems with solutions that are already in existence, creating incremental improvements, while others change the landscape by inventing and innovating a more radical solution.
“…Everything, therefore, which gives to the state strength and prosperity, such as agriculture, inventions, and industry, as well as everything which preserves and protects it from injurious influence from without, such as the defence of the walls, fortresses, and harbours, is under her immediate care.”
–About the Goddess Athene (Athena) from Theoi Greek Mythology
Potentially, it was the Greek goddesses of the time who influenced Plato’s emphasis of “mother” as a trait for invention. After all, where would our past be without Gaea, Athena and the Muses… Yet, I can’t ignore the female traits that do seed the invention and innovation process, nurturing it to full potential. As you read through my thoughts below, think about your innovation culture and see how it can be further augmented through these insights.
Women as the nurturer
Inventions, innovation, creativity and change all need to be nurtured, protected and cared for. A sense of urgency can come and go, but it is the nurturing that feeds the overall process. Nurturing is a natural part of who we are, male and female. However, women, in particular, are biologically built with this instinct to care and protect, and to develop lasting relationships.
For inventions and innovations, nurturing takes different forms. It involves creating a space for risk taking. It is also about creating an environment where conversations can occur, where people from diverse backgrounds can comfortably discuss possibilities and are encouraged to seek differing viewpoints. An environment where failures are seen as stepping stones, where focus is not just about following rules but breaking from the mold to experiment with what is possible. Where it is not just about the short-term results, but longer term thinking; not about fame but for the good of society.
Women as the keeper of the next generation
Women intuitively contribute to the survival of the species. It is in part driven by our biological clock, the overall desire to have children. And, it is about the desire, the necessity to better society overall. In other words, women are the keepers of the next generation, as highlighted by non-profit organizations.
CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. We place special focus on working alongside poor women because, equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help whole families and entire communities escape poverty. Women are at the heart of CARE’s community-based efforts to improve basic education, prevent the spread of HIV, increase access to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity and protect natural resources. CARE also delivers emergency aid to survivors of war and natural disasters, and helps people rebuild their lives.
–About CARE
As mothers, women rely on their vision to help prepare their children for the world, and also to limit/stop having children. They are in tune with their surroundings, steering their family towards prosperity, beyond just survival. (More: Population, Nature, and What Women Want
Motherhood as a job
Today’s reality might be completely different if the railroads asked the question “what business am I really in?“. Very possibly, their answer could have been “we are in the business of transportation, and not just railroads.”
As mothers, we know our job is our children. We are in the business of ensuring humanity prospers. This purpose focuses us, continuously drives us and evolves us to make the right decisions for our collective future. We stay focused, keeping the eye on the big picture, while managing day to day details.
Motherhood as creative chaos
What can I say, motherhood is chaotic. But, it hits that creative spot that is a powerful stimulant of the invention and innovation process. Needing to constantly juggle among the numerous hats we wear, mothers maintain a constant sense of urgency in everything we do. Complacency is not our strength, we constantly strive to do better.
Women as collaborators
You have very likely heard the term “It takes a village to raise a child.” Mothers recognize the powerful impact that society outside the family has on a child’s well-being, and promotes an environment that meets all of a child’s needs. This understanding carries to all other aspects of their lives, where women strive to build collective groups that can tackle mountains by promoting a vision that pulls together unlikely individuals.
Women’s DNA: values and qualities
The 2005 Caliper study “The Qualities That Distinguish Women Leaders” found women leaders to be more assertive, persuasive, willing to take risks and to have a stronger need to accomplish goals than male leaders. The highlights of the study’s findings are:
Finding 1: Women leaders are more persuasive than their male counterparts
Finding 2: Women leaders feel the sting of rejection, learn from adversity and carry on with an “I’ll show you” attitude
Finding 3: Women leaders have an inclusive, team building leadership style of problem solving and decision making
Finding 4: Women leaders are more likely to ignore rules and take risks
As the world is becoming flat and connected, a feminine way of leading is increasing in importance. It is these feminine traits that will help ensure the world understands and is principled about values that really matter, and gets things done.
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