G. As comparatively few people have an interest in new ideas, Innovators are always searching for someone with whom they can communicate about their enthusiasms. As this communication requires a technical, specialized vocabulary, someone both interested and able to talk about an innovator enthusiasm is a rare find. Consequently, the interests of most Innovators are widely known due to their looking for someone to talk with about that interest. Innovators often are challenged by poor social skills.[1]
H. BRIDGING TO THIS CATEGORY: Provide opportunities to explore new ideas from the outside world and the innovator will pursue them and bring them into the local system. It is only necessary to arouse the innovator’s natural curiosity and they will pursue new ideas. They are capable of “connecting the dots” between widely disconnected concepts and perceiving new meanings and opportunities.
I. BRIDGING TO THE NEXT CATEGORY:
The first crack where adoption can fail to progress is between Innovators and Early Adopters; the key to overcoming this crack “is to show that the new technology enables some strategic leap forward, something never before possible, which has an intrinsic value and appeal to the nontechnologist. This benefit is typically symbolized by a single, compelling application . . .”[2]
Innovators must discipline themselves to remain with an idea long enough to envision such a practical application. Rather than constantly improve upon the abstract idea itself, Innovators must apply their talents for innovation to shape the new information toward a practical implementation with significant
QUOTE [1]
NOTE
DISCERNMENT QUESTIONS
RESOURCES
[1] The quote is a selection from David O. Kueker’s Fuller Seminary Doctor of Ministry project submitted in September, 2007, entitled Diagnosis, Dialogue, and Decision: A Threefold Process of Revitalization For the Illinois Great Rivers Conference.
It is shared here in recognition of its 12th Anniversary along with comments to update and provide perspective on the material. The original project was a Training Manual/Study Guide of three Seminars supported by three chapters of research and an Introduction. The material is available for download at www.disciplewalk.com/Resources.html. In 2009 it was provided for purchase as a softcover book entitled Designing Discipleship Systems: Christian Disciple Making For Any Size Church, Any Theology through CreateSpace.com.
[2][3] [4][5] [6][7] [8]
All Scripture quotations are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Please review the page How and Why We Use Quotes.
[1]For an example of an innovator’s struggle with social skills, see Dick Lyles, Winning Ways: Four Secrets for Getting Results by Working Well With People (New York: Berkley Trade, 2001).
[2]Moore, Crossing the Chasm, 16-18.