Escaping The Commoditization of Innovation: Why I Like IKEA The Un-Company

To call IKEA a furniture store is insulting. 

I happen to be one of the few men who actually enjoy shopping. That I adore IKEA above all other stores as a haven for all things innovation should come as no surprise. IKEA doesn't imitate. Where even innovation, believe it not, has become commoditized IKEA elevates the game continually. 

IKEA doesn't mind re-imagining because it is in their DNA to do so. How can a school, government, non profit or business make innovation work by attracting hordes of rabid customers and employees insanely driven to their product and service? Expect to stand decidedly apart through innovating and competitive advantage. IKEA understands that the world of business is hyper competitive. 

Not great companies, but insanely great companies in turbulent times implicitly decide to act as rebels of their industries by pushing the bar of excellence. Even the word excellence has been used to ad nuaseam. A rebellious, stand on edge of excitement, doing something big is expected attitude pervades companies who want to be and remain phenomenal companies. They behave not as victims of geo-politics, regulations and the economy, but eager participants in their own present and future. 

Cities uncomfortable in being a great city for example, will continually raise the bar until innovation excellence becomes the action not the process that attracts high paying customers anxious for your next big idea. They want to be involved in the discovery.  

 Processes aren't the answer. Nor is innovating. There is an experience of rediscovery where every activity implores, "Why do we do this? Does it exceed unmet needs? Does it raise the bar? Does this product or service give our competition cause to moan on Monday morning?" Jim