Nov 13, 2009
How Google fuels its idea factory (BusinessWeek, 2008)
How Google fuels its idea factory (BusinessWeek, 2008)
An interview with Google Chief Executive Eric Schmidt
Main Points:
- Innovation has nothing to do with recessions. Innovative products will sell regardless.
- Innovation is about small teams who have ideas which are generally not understood by managers. Google’s 20% rule (20% of an employee’s time can be spent on projects outside of the main job) is a way of (legally, psychologically) makes sure middle managers don’t stifle innovation with day-to-day tasks.
- An obstacle to Google’s continuing innovative strength is likely to be the wide dispersion of their employees (physically). Face-to-face contact is important for programming (especially).
- Google focuses on the end-user. “[We] do not say, “Newspapers should be happy. Advertisers should be happy. Telcos should be happy. Competitors should be happy.” Those are fine if we can do it. But it’s all about end-users.”
- Tracking of projects is key. Maintaining relative growth in new projects is all-important.
- On the management of innovation “I disagree with the word “managed.” You have to have a set of necessary conditions for innovation to occur. To start with, you have to listen to people.”
Original Text:
http://www.businessweek.com/print/magazine/content/08_19/b4083054277984.htm
