Contrary to what many think Organizations are not created by infrastructure or other tangible assets, nor by processes or policies. They are just means to achieve an end.
Organizations are made great by ideas that emanate out of its leader and creative employees. They thrive because of the visionaries, R&D geniuses, those who think out of the box and those who can look beyond the imminent to crystal ball gaze into the future. Infrastructure, processes and policies just facilitate the execution of the ideas.
There would have been no Apple without Steve Jobs. Tata's would not have become the most respected company in India without the vision of JRD Tata. Akio Morita's contribution to Sony is well documented.
Unfortunately, we dont teach the importance of this in our Management Curriculum, which focuses more on systems, procedures and processes. Importance of vision is given a cursory mention and nothing is taught on the need to think differently. This is akin to to our cricket coaching academies churning out thousands of mediocre cricketers who are clones, techically correct, but lacking in flair and creativity that separates a Sehwag or Tendulkar from a Badrinath or Cheteswar Pujara. In fact it is condemnable that this has become a way of life in every aspect of life - the recognition given to mediocrity and status quo. Our schools are the breeding ground for promoting mediocrity - a visionary maverick student is punished for not toeing the schools regimental line of thinking. Once you start working, you are considered a misfit if you are not a conformist. No one wants a maverick or a rebel in his department. Over a period, the creativity and original thinking is dulled and we have lost another asset forever.
Ideas change the world and the organization. Think big, think wild and keep on thinking. Dare to dream, for dreams do come true
