Know yourself, be patient
Text by: Jonna Pulkkinen Photos by: iStockphoto ja Markku Ruottinen
Innovations require courage, creativity and passion. Even if the best innovations can become lucrative, money should not be the motive for innovation.
If the development of an invention into an innovation is compared to childbirth, the share of the invention in the entire process is one per mille, states Juuso Nissilä, the founder and scientific manager of Valkee Oy.
– When we talk about conceiving an innovation and giving birth to it, the father's role is quite insignificant, he says, and immediately apologises for using such a clichéd comparison.
– But that's the way it just is, he continues.
Inventions and innovations are not alike; they have a small but significant difference.
– An innovation is a phenomenon created by creative and bold people. An invention can be said to be the origin of an innovation, he says.
The road from an invention to an innovation is long.
- And hard, states Nissilä and reminds us once again of the tiny role that an invention holds in the development of innovations.
Certain types are important
In order for an invention to become an innovation - a phenomenon with the potential to change the world - certain people are needed. Nissilä mentions bold, creative, open-minded, excitable and inspiring types, who are also patient, persistent and by no means afraid of setbacks. It is important to create a procession that comprises, not only the invention and the resulting innovation, but also the finished product, its marketing and customers.
– The idea of innovation is often coloured by the idea of invention, says Nissilä.
When creating something new, the idea often gets stuck in the invention, when ideas should wander freely in the implementation of the idea.
But courage and good ideas alone are not enough.
Nissilä says that the development of an invention via innovation into a product requires many other things as well: the right moment, the correct factors and financing, and also someone who believes in it.
It is also important to talk about the product in the right way, to the right people and at the right time. Nissilä says that in his company innovation has been used equally in marketing and inventions.
There are many kinds of innovations, he says, and an innovation is also part of a larger entity. For example, the innovation of Valkee Oy is not just the product developed by the company but the idea that affective syndromes can be treated safely without medication and – especially stressed by Nissilä – the negative stigma surrounding them can be pulled down.
The self-awareness of managers is vital
People are needed to turn an invention into an innovation. When everybody is creative, open-minded, bold and not afraid of setbacks, it would be easy to conclude that keeping a tight rein on such a group is difficult, or then again not.
– Leading such a group is easy in that motivation is not an issue, says Juuso Nissilä.
Instead, lack of resources and undeveloped management cultures are stressful for all. This is a common problem in start-ups.
Certain personalities gravitate to new things – in Nissilä's words – like moths to light at night.
– Certain types of people want a steady job, others seek growth companies, he states.
Leading a successful company requires more from the boss than just enthusiastic employees and a great idea. An open and healthy atmosphere, culture of discussion and good leadership are also needed. Nissilä emphasises that a good leader knows him/herself well.
– Even now, there are quite many managers in companies, who have never taken a closer look at themselves in the mirror, he says.
Insufficient self-awareness sets limits for the utilisation of the emotional skills that guarantee optimal leadership. The most important emotional skills include trust in each other, openness to learning new things continuously and an inclination to follow the example of others.
In order for a developed invention to succeed, in addition to the aforementioned factors, success also requires a bold leader, who recognises the moment to take action. This requires self-confidence and enormous personal competence: a profound knowledge of the field.
– Skill in the subject must be profound, says Nissilä.
Simple things
A creator of visions has not only mental capacity but also the ability to deal with mental pressure.
– It is a form of self-encouragement. Your own attitude is reflected in non-verbal communication with the rest of the organisation, says Nissilä.
Becoming successful requires a strong vision and strategy from a person. Nissilä says that he has known since 1994 that he would be a force in the field of welfare service technologies at some point. Now, over a decade later, he feels that he is living his dream in a company that markets its product to several countries. Success has necessitated vision, strategy, passion, zest, enthusiasm and fire. There is one thing, however, that Nissilä rejects completely.
– Money cannot be the motive or driver. When people are motivated by money, the potential to perform is severely restricted, he says.
The road to successful entrepreneurship is sealed by emotional readiness as well as an ability and willingness to enjoy the control you have over your own life. You must not be afraid of risks. Your eyes must be kept wide open. It is worth your while to create networks.
And finally, when all these factors fall into place, there is just one thing to remember.
