Innovation means assuming risk of failure, as the outcome is by nature uncertain. An organizational mindset consumed by driving risk to zero foregoes the opportunity for innovation.
The rich history of innovation in the Naval Services is underscored by the fact that operations are routinely conducted in unpredictable environments. Uncertainty can provide opportunity, both in the battlespace and in the business enterprise.
Rear Admiral Raymond Spruance assumed such risk at the battle of Midway, when committing his force’s aircraft to strike Imperial Japanese aircraft carriers. If organizational leaders stifle creativity and innovation, they will unwittingly drive it into the shadows; such moves deny the warfighter the benefit of our best thinking, and are detrimental to individuals and to the organization.
The commitment of organizational leaders to champion new thinking and thoughtful risk is critical to fostering innovation within the DON.
We must provide the freedom, space, time, resources, and organizational support to experiment at every level-from everyday training scenarios to large programs of record.
We must continue to challenge a zero-defect mentality, budget for fast failure, and learn from our fruitless efforts, so that in the long term we may have greater success.
Visit the SECNAV Innovation website: http://www.secnav.navy.mil/innovation/.