Survivors, Innovators, and the Status Quo

Reading Seth Godin’s post, top ways to defend the status quo, made me think about survivors.

Aren’t they the ones defending the status quo? 

Survivors wait to see which way things are moving before they commit. They wait to see if the leader will be punished or rewarded before they will voice an opinion.

They don’t help find the answers or explore new options because they can’t risk being associated with a “failure”. 

They are often eager to point to the “failures” of others.

They can be passive-aggressive, protectionist, and territorial.  

They are not innovators.

Innovators are explorers not survivors.  

Innovators are risk takers.

Innovators have opinions and share them.

Innovators are passionate. They try to lobby support to get an idea off the ground and they don’t care if the idea wasn’t theirs - as long as it’s got potential! 

Innovators try to find ways to do things that haven’t been done before.

Comments

[Innovation Zen]

I couldn't agree more with that. I actually linked to it in the Innovation Zen site, hope you have time to check it out.

[ann michael]

I did and I'd definitely recommend it to others!

[panasianbiz]

I am just loving reading your posts! Once again, I find myself nodding my head vigorously in agreement with your assertions. If I might add to your list--survivors get by, while innovators thrive.

[ann michael]

I love your addition! I'm also enjoying reading all of your comments - it's always nice to know people are out there!