In their book, The Innovator's DNA, the authors identified 5 parts to the secret sauce of innovative business success: In thinking about how these skills work together, they found it useful to apply the metaphor of DNA. Associating is like the backbone structure of DNA’s double helix; four patterns of action (questioning, observing, experimenting, and networking) wind around this backbone, helping to cultivate new insights. And just as each person’s physical DNA is unique, each individual we studied had a unique innovator’s DNA for generating breakthrough business ideas.
Innovation starts with mindset. Most scientists, engineers and health professionals don't have it. However, there are ways to develop and change the gene expression by practicing epigenetic exercises. In case you missed that biology class, epigenetics literally means "above" or "on top of" genetics. It refers to external modifications to DNA that turn genes "on" or "off." These modifications do not change the DNA sequence, but instead, they affect how cells "read" genes.
So, if you want to unlock your innerpreneurial genes, try:
- Associating, by realizing that sickcare USA cannot be fixed from inside.
- Associating by practicing open innovation.
- Associating by thinking twice about thinking out of the box.
- Questioning by being a problem seeker, not a problem solver.
- Questioning why not instead of why and getting to why.
- Observing by learning to see around corners.
- Observing by looking for the clues, not the roadmap.
- Experimenting by using the business model canvas instead of writing a business plan.
- Experimenting by applying your clinical or scientific mindset.
- Networking by building robust internal and external networks.
- Networking the right way when coldLinking.
- Networking by learning how to meet up at a Meetup.
- Networking by growing and engaging your alumni network.
Here are some more ways to sharpen your entrepreneurial skills.
Doctors have the potential to make great entrepreneurs because they have the DNA. No, they are not lousy business people. Downstream gene expression, though, is often a problem.
Arlen Meyers, MD, MBA is the President and CEO of the Society of Physician Entrepreneurs on Twitter@ArlenMD and Co-editor of Digital Health Entrepreneurship.
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