There have been an increasing number of operators in the Ideas Management community fixated on synthesizing innovation – for both the inspiration and perspiration sides of the equation. Ambitious for sure, but from our point-of-view altogether un-necessary - considering the rich, talented, knowledgeable, available, accessible, motivated and relevant resources that lie in wait; and at the ready. Most of these resources only become aware of the other when connected through an idea that holds a mutual interest. And that’s what most passionate people need to find one another – a common link of interest; a passion for something that brings them together, rather than relying on a location, company or other artificial grouping. These passionate folks share a few characteristics; they are:

• Self organizing
• Self-interested
• Self-motivated

There are legions of collaborators out there waiting to get connected with like-minded individuals who are working on an idea that holds a common interest to all its participants. This affinity and motivation have a name: passion. And it is the crucial element that allows birds-of-a-feather to flock together and create truly inspired results.

For every Alexander Graham-Bell there were passionate enablers like Watson in the mix to support the complete innovation process. Sure Marie Curie, Enzo Ferrari and Jonas Salk were pioneers, but they didn’t get there alone. There were armies of ad hoc collaborators that helped sort-out the intricacies of newness and ignore the naysayers. These folks all had the critical element of passion to forge beyond convention and complete the mission – no matter what the odds.

So when you are designing your new innovation process, or re-jigging the one that sits on the shoulder of the innovation expressway with four flat tires, think of who and how you are going to engage to create good ideas and then bring them to fruition – without interrupting business-as-usual:

• Don’t mandate process roles – explain the roles and allow people to volunteer and/or apply for them
• Let people find their comfort zones and allow them to focus on those areas where they think they can most contribute
• Open your process to all that want to participate
• Recognize the extra effort at every value touch-point
• Provide a platform where participants can self-organize and find one another based on interest, skill, experience, and…

…ideas of common interest. Give people what they want for process and they will return the gesture in kind.